# Graft explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A satirical poem praising Cuba's military prowess while mocking the corrupting influence of American greed and political manipulation, suggesting that even victory in battle cannot withstand the power of graft.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The poem satirizes U.S. imperialism and corruption, contrasting Cuba's military success with the overwhelming power of graft.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

Highlights the hypocrisy of American moral superiority while engaging in corrupt practices, embodied by the 'comprehensive hands' of graft.

## Key lines

> Cuba, our pupil, let thy glory shine⁠— Our own is brighter, but effulgent thine!

Cuba, as our student, may you be glorious; though we claim greater glory, yours still shines brightly.

_Establishes a patronizing tone toward Cuba while acknowledging its achievements._

> But O, what thing escapes, what thing withstands, The power of those comprehensive hands?

But what can avoid or resist the reach of those all-grasping hands?

_Emphasizes the inescapable influence of corruption and greed._

## Links

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