Poetry · Chapter
Incivism explained
The chapter critiques the hypocrisy of politicians who condemn a citizen for not participating in their schemes, revealing that their real motive is to exploit him financially regardless of which faction succeeds.
What happens
The chapter critiques the hypocrisy of politicians who condemn a citizen for not participating in their schemes, revealing that their real motive is to exploit him financially regardless of which faction succeeds.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
Politicians publicly decry the citizen's lack of civic duty while privately plotting to deplete his purse, exposing their self-serving corruption.
Political Satire
The poem satirizes political factions that demand participation only to exploit the citizen, indifferent to which side wins as long as they share the spoils.
Key passages
“He’s no good citizen! the crowd Of politicians cries aloud.”
A group of politicians publicly declares that a man is not a good citizen.
Opens with the accusation of incivism by the political crowd.
“while we deplete his purse Some air contentedly he hums, Or twiddles his incivic thumbs.”
While they drain his money, he remains indifferent, humming or idly fidgeting.
Describes the citizen's passive response to being exploited.
“It matters not whose hand unsacks His shekels, for we all go snacks.”
It doesn't matter which faction robs him, because they all share the loot.
Reveals the politicians' true motive: they all benefit from the citizen's exploitation.