# The Genesis of Crime explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

God commands the creation of Crime, leading Satan to bring Stoneman (Stupidity) and then Opportunity, which combine to produce Crime.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The creation of Crime involves deception, as Stoneman (Stupidity) is initially presented as Crime, and only through the combination with Opportunity does true Crime emerge.

## Character check-ins

### Old Nick

Satan brings Stoneman and later Opportunity to fulfill God's command to create Crime.

### Christ

God issues the command for Crime to be created.

## Key lines

> God said, “Let there be Crime,” and the command Brought Satan, leading Stoneman by the hand.

God commands the creation of Crime, and Satan responds by bringing Stoneman.

_The origin of Crime is depicted as a divine command executed by Satan._

> “Why, that’s Stupidity, not Crime,” said God⁠— “Bring what I ordered.”

God rejects Stoneman as Stupidity, not Crime, and demands the correct element.

_God distinguishes between Stupidity and Crime, insisting on the proper ingredients._

> “Here’s Opportunity,” he said, and put Pen, ink, and paper down at Stoneman’s foot. He seized them⁠—Heaven was filled with fires and thunders, And Crime was added to Creation’s wonders!

Satan provides Opportunity in the form of writing tools, and when Stoneman takes them, Crime is created amid heavenly turmoil.

_The combination of Stupidity and Opportunity results in Crime, marking its addition to the world._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/the-genesis-of-crime
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters