Poetry · Chapter
The Dying Statesman explained
A satirical poem depicting a politician on his deathbed, surrounded by weeping friends, who ultimately reveals his dying wish is to become a postmaster in heaven.
What happens
A satirical poem depicting a politician on his deathbed, surrounded by weeping friends, who ultimately reveals his dying wish is to become a postmaster in heaven. The poem critiques political hypocrisy and the self-serving nature of politicians, ending with a cynical view of the 'Grand Old Party' marching to power over his grave.
Themes in this chapter
Political Satire
The poem mocks the dying politician's self-serving ambition, reducing his final moments to a desire for a political appointment.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The politician's friends weep publicly while the narrative implies their grief is performative, and the politician's heavenly aspiration is a corrupt earthly office.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator observes the dying politician and comments on the scene with satirical detachment.
Key passages
“How is it with thee, child of light? Dost hear the angels sing?”
Someone asks the dying politician if he hears heavenly music.
The question is ironic, as the politician's response reveals his worldly focus.
“Farewell, dark world—I go to be A postmaster above!”
The politician says goodbye to the world because he expects to become a postmaster in heaven.
This line satirizes the politician's inability to think beyond earthly political rewards even at the moment of death.
“To see the Grand Old Party march To office o'er his grave!”
It is impressive to watch the Republican Party advance politically by stepping over his dead body.
The poem ends with a cynical observation that the party will use his death for political gain.