# LXXXV explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief reflection on the nature of luxuries and necessities, suggesting that luxuries often disguise themselves as necessities, while woman uniquely asserts herself as a luxury.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The chapter explores how luxuries masquerade as necessaries, a form of deception.

## Key lines

> Our luxuries are always masquerading as necessaries. Woman is the only necessary having the boldness and address to compel recognition as a luxury.

We often pretend that our indulgences are essential needs. Only woman has the audacity and skill to be seen as both a necessity and a luxury.

_The chapter contrasts the general deception of luxuries with woman's unique ability to be acknowledged as a luxury._

## Links

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