# XXVIII explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

This brief chapter is an epitaph for Barnes, a master of oratory, whose death is mourned by the people who believe he is only sleeping. They fear that when he wakes, he will rise and speak in support of a motion for a week.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The people's weeping and praise for Barnes contrasts with their fear of his endless speaking, suggesting a satirical view of political oratory and public sentiment.

## Character check-ins

### Barnes

The deceased orator, master of oratory, whose epitaph is the subject of the chapter.

## Key lines

> This grave holds Barnes in all his glory⁠— Master he of oratOry.

This tomb contains Barnes, celebrated for his skill in public speaking.

_Introduces Barnes as a renowned orator._

> When he died the people, weeping (For they thought him only sleeping) Cried: “Although he now is quiet And his tongue is not a riot, Soon, the spell that binds him breaking, He a motion will be making. Then, alas, he’ll rise and speak In support of it a week.”

When Barnes died, the people wept, believing he was merely asleep, and lamented that once he wakes from his spell, he will rise and deliver a week-long speech supporting some motion.

_Highlights the ironic fear that even in death, Barnes's oratory will continue._

## Links

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