# Ultra Crepidam explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The chapter addresses a misunderstanding about a reference to the Catholic Church in the Philippines made during a speech at Stanford University, with Gen. Funston calling it a scandal. The narrator advises sticking to one's known weapon—the sword rather than the tongue—as even a dull Filipino can understand a sabre's meaning.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The misunderstanding and the advice to keep the tongue in check suggest self-deception or miscommunication.

### Political Satire

The chapter satirizes political discourse and the use of force over words.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator addresses the misunderstanding and offers advice on communication.

### Leland Stanford

Stanford University is mentioned as the location of the address.

## Key lines

> I think there must be some misunderstanding regarding my reference to the Catholic Church in the Philippines in my address at the Stanford University.

The narrator believes his comment about the Catholic Church in the Philippines was misinterpreted.

_Sets up the central conflict of the chapter._

> The tongue is a very uncertain convincer; Don’t draw it at all⁠—keep it in, keep it in, sir.

Speech is unreliable; it's better to remain silent.

_Advises against using words, favoring action._

> Even dull Filipino (ah, green be the bed of him!) Can manage to get it somehow through the head of him.

Even a slow-witted Filipino can understand the meaning of a sabre.

_Suggests violence is more effective than speech._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/ultra-crepidam
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters