# LI explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief, aphoristic chapter observing the austere virtue of a penniless man who resists the temptation to manipulate markets or acquire monopolies.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The chapter contrasts the virtue of the poor man with the corruption of market manipulation and monopoly.

## Key lines

> Observe, my son, with how austere a virtue the man without a cent puts aside the temptation to manipulate the market or acquire a monopoly.

Notice, my child, the stern moral strength of a destitute man who rejects the chance to rig the market or seize a monopoly.

_The narrator uses a paternal tone to highlight the irony of moral purity born from poverty._

## Links

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