# The Hermit explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A hermit who has retreated from the world to contemplate on a mountain encounters a hunter from the city. The hermit laments his long search for a worthy theme to occupy his gloomy soul. The hunter suggests pondering the Vanity of Life, which the hermit gratefully accepts, asking for further guidance on how to think.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The hermit describes the world as a fountain of deceit and life as a sham, reflecting themes of deception and self-deception.

### Mortality and Regret

The hermit's contemplation of the Vanity of Life touches on mortality and regret.

## Character check-ins

### Gentle Pilgrim

The hunter from the city who advises the hermit.

### Unknown

The hermit who speaks in the poem.

## Key lines

> I have found the world a fountain Of deceit and Life a sham.

The hermit declares that the world is full of deception and that life is worthless.

_This line establishes the hermit's disillusionment with the world._

> You could ponder very bravely On the Vanity of Life.

The hunter suggests the hermit think about the emptiness of life.

_This advice gives the hermit a new subject for contemplation._

## Links

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