# XCIX explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief, satirical reflection on Darwin's theory of evolution, suggesting that those horrified by the idea of humans descending from apes may find comfort in the possibility of returning to that state.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The chapter satirizes the horror and denial surrounding Darwin's theory, mocking the comfort found in the idea of regression.

## Key lines

> Persons who are horrified by what they believe to be Darwin’s theory of the descent of Man from the Ape may find comfort in the hope of his return.

People who are shocked by Darwin's idea that humans evolved from apes can take solace in the thought that humans might devolve back into apes.

_A satirical twist on evolutionary theory, implying that the same logic can be used to imagine a reverse evolution._

## Links

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