# For Mayor explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The narrator refuses to support Abner Doble's mayoral campaign, mocking his name as catarrhal and suggesting it would bring ridicule rather than acclaim. The narrator declares they will instead cheer for another candidate, unwilling to have their influence associated with such a laughable name.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The poem satirizes political campaigning and the absurdity of supporting a candidate based on name recognition, using wordplay and mockery.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator, who refuses to lend voice or influence to Abner Doble's campaign.

## Key lines

> Your name is to be sneezed at: its acclaim Will 'fill the speaking trump of future fame' With an impeded utterance—a puff Suggesting that a pinch or two of snuff Would clear the tube and somewhat disinflame.

Your name is so ridiculous that any praise for it will sound like a sneeze or a cough, as if you need snuff to clear your throat.

_The narrator uses a pun on 'catarrhal' to mock Doble's name, implying it is unfit for political glory._

> Nay, Abner Doble, you’ll not get from me My voice and influence: I’ll cheer instead, Some other man;

No, Abner Doble, I will not support you; I will endorse someone else.

_The narrator explicitly refuses to back Doble, choosing another candidate._

## Links

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