# Slander explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief dialogue between Fitch and Pickering discussing the nature of slander and vice as reported in the papers, with Pickering denying the accusations.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The exchange highlights accusations of vice and denial, reflecting themes of slander and self-deception.

## Character check-ins

### Deacon Fitch

Accuses a friend of exhausting all vices, as reported by the papers.

### Loring Pickering

Denies the slanderous claims, asserting the opposite is true.

## Key lines

> All vices you’ve exhausted, friend; So all the papers say.

You have committed every vice, according to the newspapers.

_Fitch levels a public accusation of moral corruption._

> Ah, what vile calumnies are penned!⁠— ’Tis just the other way.

What terrible lies are written! The truth is the opposite.

_Pickering rejects the slander, claiming innocence._

## Links

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