# One and One Are Two explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The dead rise at the trumpet's sound, and Pickering ascends awkwardly to heaven. Saint Peter questions his entry, but Pickering's candid admission that he is a liar earns him a seat beside Colonel Jackson.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

Pickering's claim to be a liar is a paradoxical truth that gains him admission, highlighting the theme of honesty in deception.

## Character check-ins

### Pickering

Rises from the dead with a wobbling motion due to a missing ear; gains entry to heaven by admitting he is a liar.

### Saint Peter

Manages the wicket, initially challenges Pickering's entry, then allows him in after his confession.

### John Jackson

Mentioned as the Colonel beside whom Pickering is seated in heaven.

## Key lines

> The trumpet sounded and the dead Came forth from earth and ocean, And Pickering arose and sped Aloft with wobbling motion.

At the sound of the trumpet, the dead rise from land and sea; Pickering ascends unsteadily.

_Describes the resurrection and Pickering's awkward flight._

> Said Peter: 'That is simple, neat And candid Anglo-Saxon, But—well, come in, and take a seat Up there by Colonel Jackson.'

Peter acknowledges Pickering's blunt honesty and invites him to sit beside Colonel Jackson.

_Peter accepts Pickering's confession and grants him entry._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/one-and-one-are-two
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters