# Memorial Day explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the end of Memorial Day ceremonies, noting the silence after the speeches and the eternal peace of the heroes, despite the pomp and titles of the living.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The poem satirizes the self-important titles and orations of politicians and officials, contrasting their noise with the silent, eternal peace of the dead.

### Mortality and Regret

The final line emphasizes the enduring peace of the 'grand old heroes' who sleep in death, untouched by the fleeting ceremonies of the living.

## Character check-ins

### Barnes

Mentioned among the hereditary candidates whose speeches have ended.

### Charles Shortridge

Referenced as 'Shortridge' among the speakers whose orations have ceased.

### Salomon

Listed as 'Salomon-in-all-his-glory' among the orators now silent.

## Key lines

> The bands have played, the singers finished singing, The flags done flapping and the bells done ringing.

The musical performances and flag-waving of the Memorial Day ceremony have concluded.

_Sets the scene of the celebration ending._

> Hereditary candidates have spoken; Their tongues are silent and their hearts are broken⁠—

The politicians and office-seekers have finished their speeches, now quiet and perhaps disappointed.

_Satirizes the self-importance of the speakers._

> And still in spite of all the din infernal Of every 'General' and 'Judge' and 'Colonel,' Our grand old heroes sleep in peace eternal!

Despite the noisy chaos of all the titled officials, the honored dead rest forever undisturbed.

_Contrasts the living's pomp with the dead's tranquility._

## Links

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