# At the White House explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The narrator describes a meeting at the White House between two famous but unnamed figures—one a renowned patriot and farmer, the other a cunning president despised by many. They argue over who rightfully belongs in the White House, each claiming divine favor, and the narrator humorously suggests they might still be arguing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The chapter satirizes the self-importance and rivalry of political figures, each claiming divine right to the presidency.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

Both figures are depicted as self-righteous and cunning, with the president described as 'sleek, snug, self-righteous, cunning as a rat,' highlighting moral hypocrisy.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator recounts the encounter at the White House, poking fun at the vanity and hypocrisy of the two figures.

## Key lines

> Sleek, snug, self-righteous, cunning as a rat, A fish in fervor and in faith a cat, Obscure by nature, he had ne’er been great If Fortune had not kicked him into state.

The president is portrayed as smooth, complacent, hypocritical, and sly, only achieving greatness through luck rather than merit.

_A biting critique of the president's character and rise to power._

> So they were married⁠—no I mean they met; For aught I know they are in session yet, There in the White House, for each swore the place Belonged to him by God’s abounding grace.

The two men met at the White House, and each insisted that God had granted him the right to be there, possibly still arguing to this day.

_The narrator humorously conflates marriage with meeting, emphasizing the absurdity of their mutual claims._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/at-the-white-house
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters