# At the Close of the Canvass explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A venerable prophet warns politicians, editors, and orators to cease their lying and shouting before Election Day, predicting the shame and regret that will follow when the campaign madness ends and former opponents must face each other.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The entire poem is a satirical critique of political campaigning, lying, and the hypocrisy of politicians and editors.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The venerable person condemns the 'wild unearthly lying' and mutual deceit among political opponents, highlighting the corruption of public discourse.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator encounters a venerable person who delivers a prophetic warning.

## Key lines

> O ye sanguinary statesmen, intermit your verbal tussles! O ye editors and orators, consent to hear my lay!

Bloodthirsty politicians, stop your arguments! Editors and speakers, listen to my poem!

_The venerable person calls for a halt to political combat and demands attention._

> For to-morrow will be Monday and the fifth day of November— Only day of opportunity before the final rush.

Tomorrow is Monday, November 5th—the last chance to act before the election frenzy.

_The warning emphasizes the urgency of the eve of Election Day._

> Each will think: ‘This falsifier knows that I too am a liar. Curse him for a son of Satan...’

Each former opponent will think: 'This liar knows I'm also a liar. Damn him as a devil's spawn...'

_The prophet foresees the mutual shame and resentment after the campaign ends._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/at-the-close-of-the-canvass
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters