# XCVIII explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief, ironic commentary on the commandment to honor one's parents, suggesting that such virtue will not be rewarded by life insurance companies.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The chapter satirizes the gap between moral virtue and institutional reward, implying hypocrisy in how ethical behavior is valued.

## Key lines

> Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long in the land, but do not hope that the life insurance companies will offer thee special rates.

Follow the commandment to respect your parents for a long life, but don't expect life insurance companies to give you a discount for it.

_The chapter uses biblical language to mock the disconnect between moral teachings and corporate practices._

## Links

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