# Psychographs explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the irony of poets who claim to be guided by departed souls in their writing, yet their own works lack immortality.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Criticism

The poem critiques the notion of poetic inspiration from departed souls while questioning the enduring value of the resulting works.

## Key lines

> When I write, a band Of souls of the departed guides my hand.

The poet claims that spirits of the dead help him write.

_Gerald Massey's assertion about spiritual guidance in writing._

> How strange that poems cumbering our shelves, Penned by immortal parts, have none themselves!

It is ironic that poems about immortality are themselves forgettable.

_The narrator's ironic observation on the lack of lasting value in such poetry._

## Links

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