# Two Socialists explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

Brand Whitlock travels through space after being freed from Hell, encountering a foul, abandoned planet where the sole occupant is the Impenitent Thief. Whitlock offers him pardon, and the Thief immediately escapes into space, later found joyfully carrying stolen post-holes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The Thief's impenitence and continued thievery despite pardon reflect self-deception and refusal to reform.

### Justice and Revenge

Whitlock's offer of pardon contrasts with the Thief's punishment and the abandoned planet's role as a unique prison.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

Narrates the journey of Brand Whitlock and the encounter with the Thief.

### Jack Satan

Implied as the creator of the foul planet, which even he cast off.

## Key lines

> Brand Whitlock sped from Hell through space, To be remanded never⁠— For having such a saintly face, Set free forever, With due apology.

Brand Whitlock was released from Hell and traveled through space, never to be returned, because his saintly appearance earned him a permanent pardon and an apology.

_Describes Whitlock's liberation and journey._

> That orb unclean, denied the aid Of gravitation’s tether, For centuries had blindly strayed⁠— Lost altogether!

That filthy planet, lacking gravity's pull, had wandered aimlessly through space for centuries, completely lost.

_Describes the abandoned planet's chaotic drift._

> The Thief Impenitent, his grim Recusance unabated, Was its sole occupant: for him It was created.

The unrepentant Thief, still stubbornly refusing to change, was the only inhabitant of that planet, which was made specifically for him.

_Introduces the Thief and his purpose on the planet._

> Said Whitlock: “Here my stay is brief; Take, brother, ere we sever, Thy pardon. Be a better thief Henceforth forever.”

Whitlock told the Thief that his visit would be short and offered him forgiveness, urging him to become an honest thief from then on.

_Whitlock grants pardon to the Thief._

> Three stolen post-holes that poor wight Was gaily toting.

The poor creature was cheerfully carrying three post-holes he had stolen.

_The Thief's continued thievery even after pardon._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/two-socialists
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters