# LXXVII explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief reflection on the loyalty of a virtuous widow, who remains faithful even when her fidelity brings no pleasure or profit to its object.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The widow's fidelity is directed toward something that is neither pleased nor profited, suggesting a form of self-deception or misplaced loyalty.

## Key lines

> A virtuous widow is the most loyal of mortals; she is faithful to that which is neither pleased nor profited by her fidelity.

A morally upright widow is exceptionally loyal, remaining devoted even when the object of her devotion gains no satisfaction or benefit from her faithfulness.

_Highlights the paradox of loyalty without reciprocation or reward._

## Links

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