Poetry · Chapter
III explained
The chapter depicts Sharon in his final mad act, warring with man and God, now suffering under a woman's rod.
What happens
The chapter depicts Sharon in his final mad act, warring with man and God, now suffering under a woman's rod. His torments cause widespread mourning across Nevada, from the Carson River to Virginia City, while the recording angel sleeps. The poem contrasts his current agony with his eventual death and burial on Lone Mountain, where he will lie among those he helped kill.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
Sharon's life of vice, greed, vulgarity, and strife is contrasted with the meek-faced dead who are 'innocent' and 'discreet,' highlighting societal hypocrisy.
Mortality and Regret
The chapter dwells on Sharon's eventual death and burial, suggesting a reckoning for his actions and the inevitability of mortality.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“With man long warring, quarreling with God, He crouches now beneath a woman’s rod”
After a lifetime of conflict with humanity and God, Sharon now submits to a woman's punishment.
Highlights Sharon's downfall and subjugation.
“Virginia City intermits her trade And well-clad strangers walk her streets unflayed.”
Virginia City pauses its business, and even well-dressed visitors are safe from harm.
Illustrates the widespread impact of Sharon's suffering.
“Sharon, some years, perchance, remain of life— Of vice and greed, vulgarity and strife; And then—God speed the day if such His will— You’ll lie among the dead you helped to kill”
Sharon may have a few more years of sinful life, but eventually he will be buried with those he contributed to killing.
Foretells Sharon's death and moral judgment.