# The Wise and Good explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A child questions his father about why only certain deceased individuals are mourned, and the father explains that society mourns only the 'Wise and Good' who are poor and leave nothing behind. The child then mocks this notion, implying it is a foolish tale.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The father's explanation reveals societal hypocrisy in mourning only the poor and 'good' while ignoring others.

### Mortality and Regret

The poem reflects on death and the selective nature of mourning, touching on mortality.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator who observes and recounts the conversation between father and child.

## Key lines

> That’s easy enough to the stupidest mind: They’re poor, and in dying leave nothing behind.

The father claims it is obvious that the only people mourned are those who are poor and leave no wealth.

_Highlights the cynical view of societal mourning practices._

> Go tell thy fine tale of the Wise and the Good Who are poor, yet lamented, to babes in the wood.

The child dismisses the father's explanation as a naive story suitable only for children.

_Shows the child's skepticism and the poem's satirical tone._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/the-wise-and-good
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters