# The Dying Statesman explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator observes the dying politician and comments on the scene with satirical detachment.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/the-dying-statesman
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters