# An Unreformable Reformer explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The narrator reflects on the futility of forced spelling reforms, comparing them to other forms of compulsion and control. He satirizes the President's interference in nature and law, and concludes with a lament on the madness of the world.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The poem satirizes presidential authority and the absurdity of top-down spelling reform.

### Deception and Self-Deception

The narrator questions the efficacy of enforced rules and the self-deception of reformers.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator muses on spelling reform and presidential overreach.

### Father Adam

Addressed in the final line, rejoicing that his ears are dust.

## Key lines

> I know not how they come about⁠— These alterations in our spelling, But sometimes am disposed to doubt The efficacy of compelling... Observance of an iron rule Despite one’s better private system.

The narrator is skeptical that forced spelling changes can truly take hold, since people revert to their own habits when not under threat.

_Opens the poem with a critique of compulsory reform._

> The President, the President!⁠— How enterprising in revision Of Nature’s laws!⁠—how diligent In cutting out a court decision!

The President is portrayed as meddling in everything from nature to the judiciary.

_Satirical jab at executive overreach._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/an-unreformable-reformer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters