# CIV explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief reflection on human nature, suggesting that men are naturally polygamous but practice monogamy due to circumstance, and that true faithfulness is demonstrated by a willingness to be observed by multiple wives.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The aphorism implies a gap between natural inclination and social performance, hinting at hypocrisy in marital fidelity.

### Deception and Self-Deception

The statement suggests that monogamy may be a matter of opportunity rather than genuine commitment, involving self-deception about one's nature.

## Key lines

> Men are polygamous by nature and monogamous for opportunity.

Men have a natural tendency toward multiple partners but settle for one when circumstances limit their options.

_Summarizes the chapter's core claim about human nature and social behavior._

> It is a faithful man who is willing to be watched by a half-dozen wives.

A truly faithful man is one who would accept being monitored by several wives.

_Reinforces the ironic definition of faithfulness presented in the chapter._

## Links

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