# The Boss’s Choice explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A satirical poem mocking a demagogic figure named Gulielmus L. Jocosus, who is portrayed as a slave branded by a boss, advancing foolish fancies and views with poor grammar and stammering speech.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The chapter lampoons a demagogic figure, highlighting his foolishness and subservience to a boss.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The branded slave imagery and 'views' suggest corruption and hypocrisy in the political sphere.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator delivers a mocking critique of Gulielmus L. Jocosus.

## Key lines

> Listen to his wild romances: He advances foolish fancies, Each expounded as his 'view'

He presents his absurd ideas as if they were serious opinions.

_Highlights the character's pretentiousness and lack of substance._

> Slave who paid the price demanded — With two-handed iron branded By the boss

He is a slave who was marked by his master's iron, having paid the required price.

_Emphasizes his subjugation and the corrupt power dynamics._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/the-boss-s-choice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters