# CCXXVII explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief dialogue between Ingratitude and Benevolence, where Ingratitude expresses sorrow over the devastations caused by Benevolence, and Benevolence reveals itself as Ingratitude's parent.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The dialogue highlights the paradoxical relationship between benevolence and ingratitude, suggesting that acts of kindness can lead to destructive outcomes.

## Key lines

> Who art thou, so sorrowful?

Who are you, looking so sad?

_Benevolence addresses Ingratitude._

> Ingratitude. It saddens me to look upon the devastations of Benevolence.

I am Ingratitude. It makes me sad to see the destruction caused by Benevolence.

_Ingratitude identifies itself and explains its sorrow._

> Then veil thine eyes, for I am Benevolence.

Then cover your eyes, because I am Benevolence.

_Benevolence reveals its identity._

> Wretch! thou art my father and my mother.

You miserable creature! You are my father and my mother.

_Ingratitude curses Benevolence, claiming it as its parent._

## Links

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