# CXXIII explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The chapter presents a paradoxical aphorism about the dual nature of attitudes toward women, suggesting that noble praise and spirited defamation can coexist.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The chapter highlights the contradiction between praising and defaming women, reflecting hypocrisy in attitudes.

## Key lines

> A noble enthusiasm in praise of Woman is not incompatible with a spirited zeal in defamation of women.

Sincerely admiring women in general does not prevent someone from also harshly criticizing them.

_The aphorism underscores the coexistence of contradictory sentiments._

## Links

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