# Discretion explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A dialogue between a woman and a man about discretion in romantic matters. The woman questions whether the man can be trusted with secrets, while the man assures her that he never reveals his conquests, often because he never gets the chance to speak.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The man's claim of discretion may be a form of self-deception or a polite evasion.

### Love and Communication

The poem explores the boundaries of trust and secrecy in romantic relationships.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The male speaker who defends his discretion.

### Estee

The female speaker who questions the man's discretion.

## Key lines

> I’m told that men have sometimes got Too confidential, and Have said to one another what They⁠—well, you understand.

I've heard that men sometimes become too trusting and share secrets with each other.

_The woman expresses concern about men gossiping about their romantic encounters._

> I never, never talk you o’er⁠— In truth, I never get the floor.

I never speak about you—honestly, I never even get a chance to speak.

_The man humorously admits that his discretion is partly due to not being allowed to talk._

## Links

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