# XXXIII explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief epitaph for George Perry, describing him as stiff and stark in death, with a dark heart and mind, yet skilled in his trade of being an ass.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Regret

The epitaph reflects on George Perry's death and the darkness of his life.

## Character check-ins

### George Perry

Subject of the epitaph; described as stiff, stark, dark-hearted, and skilled in being an ass.

## Key lines

> George Perry here is stiff and stark, With stone at foot and stone at head.

George Perry lies dead, buried with stones at his feet and head.

_Describes his burial and death._

> He knew more ways to be an ass Than any ass that ever brayed.

He was more skilled at being foolish than any other fool.

_Criticizes his character with ironic praise._

## Links

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