The Devil’s Dictionary · Chapter
A explained
This chapter presents a series of satirical definitions for words beginning with the letter 'A', offering cynical and humorous commentary on human nature, society, politics, religion, and language.
What happens
This chapter presents a series of satirical definitions for words beginning with the letter 'A', offering cynical and humorous commentary on human nature, society, politics, religion, and language.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Duplicity
Many definitions expose hypocrisy in politics, religion, and social interactions, such as 'Administration' and 'Admiration'.
Critique of Religion
Definitions like 'Allah', 'Altar', and 'Anoint' satirize religious practices and beliefs.
Politics and Power
Definitions such as 'Administration', 'Allegiance', and 'Alliance' critique political systems and power dynamics.
Human Folly and Self-Deception
Definitions like 'Ambition', 'Absurdity', and 'Abstainer' highlight human irrationality and self-deception.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator presents the definitions with a cynical and detached voice.
- Dr. Samuel Johnson
Referenced in the definitions of 'Abrupt' and 'Abruption' for his commentary on literary ideas.
- Father Gassalasca Jape
Quoted in the definition of 'Admonition' and 'Anoint' as the author of 'Judibras'.
- Death
Referenced in the definition of 'Abracadabra' through the poem by Jamrach Holobom.
- The Shah
Mentioned in the definition of 'Accountability' in a poetic exchange.
- Jim
Appears in the definition of 'Advice' in a poetic dialogue.
- Solomon
Referenced in the definition of 'Abstainer' via the poem by G. J.
- Jijiji Ri
Referenced in the definition of 'Abracadabra' as the author of the poem.
Key passages
“Administration An ingenious abstraction in politics, designed to receive the kicks and cuffs due to the premier or president. A man of straw, proof against bad-egging and dead-catting.”
Administration is a clever political fiction that takes the blame meant for the actual leader, like a scarecrow that can withstand abuse.
Satirizes how political administrations serve as scapegoats.
“Admiration Our polite recognition of another’s resemblance to ourselves.”
Admiration is just a courteous way of acknowledging that someone is like us.
Critiques the self-centered nature of admiration.
“Admonition Gentle reproof, as with a meat-axe. Friendly warning.”
Admonition is a gentle scolding, like being hit with a meat-axe—a supposedly friendly warning.
Uses irony to highlight the harshness disguised as gentleness.
“Alliance In international politics, the union of two thieves who have their hands so deeply inserted in each other’s pockets that they cannot separately plunder a third.”
An alliance is when two thieves are so entangled in each other's pockets that they can't rob anyone else alone.
Satirizes international alliances as mutual exploitation.
“Ambition An overmastering desire to be vilified by enemies while living and made ridiculous by friends when dead.”
Ambition is a strong wish to be criticized by enemies in life and mocked by friends after death.
Cynically redefines ambition as a path to ridicule.
