# CCXLI explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief dialogue between Mercy and Revenge, where Revenge identifies itself as the father of Justice and states its intention to attend Mercy's son, who is hiding in the jungle.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Revenge

Revenge declares itself the father of Justice, intertwining the concepts of vengeance and justice in a familial metaphor.

### Deception and Self-Deception

Mercy notes that Revenge wears his son's clothing, suggesting disguise or false identity.

## Key lines

> Who art thou? said Mercy. Revenge, the father of Justice.

Mercy asks who Revenge is, and Revenge answers that it is the progenitor of Justice.

_Revenge personified claims paternity over Justice._

> Thou wearest thy son's clothing. One must be clad.

Mercy observes that Revenge is dressed in the garments of his son, and Revenge responds that one must wear clothes.

_Revenge's attire is a disguise, hinting at deception._

> Farewell—I go to attend thy son. Thou wilt find him hiding in yonder jungle.

Revenge bids farewell, saying it will go to attend Mercy's son, who is hiding in the jungle.

_Revenge sets out to find Mercy's son, who is in hiding._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/ccxli
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters