# III explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Sharon

The central figure of the chapter, depicted in his last mad act, suffering under a woman's rod and bellowing in torment.

### Unknown

The narrator describes Sharon's torments and the reaction of the world around him.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

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