The Devil’s Dictionary · Chapter
J explained
This chapter presents definitions for words beginning with the letter J, including humorous and satirical entries on the letter J itself, jealousy, jesters, Jews-harps, joss-sticks, and justice, often critiquing human folly, religion, and s
What happens
This chapter presents definitions for words beginning with the letter J, including humorous and satirical entries on the letter J itself, jealousy, jesters, Jews-harps, joss-sticks, and justice, often critiquing human folly, religion, and social institutions.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Duplicity
The definition of 'Jester' and the accompanying poem expose the hypocrisy of kings and the church, as the queen's love for a fool is deemed unlawful yet is resolved by a decree of nobility.
Critique of Religion
The entry on 'Joss-Sticks' mocks Chinese religious practices as 'pagan tomfoolery' while ironically comparing them to Christian rites, and the poem criticizes the Pope's power to damn.
Human Folly and Self-Deception
The definition of 'Jealous' suggests that jealousy is irrational, and the jester's role highlights the folly of those in power who fail to see their own ridiculousness.
Politics and Power
The poem illustrates how political power (making a fool a duke) is used to circumvent religious and moral laws, and 'Justice' is described as a commodity sold by the state.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator provides the definitions and commentary throughout the chapter.
- Father Gassalasca Jape
Referenced indirectly as the source of the poem about the widow-queen of Portugal and her jester.
- The Dullards
Implied as the audience for the jester's jokes in the circus.
Key passages
“J J is a consonant in English, but some nations use it as a vowel—than which nothing could be more absurd.”
The letter J is a consonant in English, but some languages treat it as a vowel, which is utterly ridiculous.
Bierce mocks linguistic variation with characteristic sarcasm.
“Jealous Unduly concerned about the preservation of that which can be lost only if not worth keeping.”
Jealousy is an excessive worry about keeping something that is only lost if it wasn't valuable anyway.
A cynical redefinition of jealousy as irrational possessiveness.
“Justice A commodity which in a more or less adulterated condition the State sells to the citizen as a reward for his allegiance, taxes and personal service.”
Justice is a product, often diluted, that the government sells to citizens in exchange for their loyalty, taxes, and service.
Bierce critiques the transactional nature of justice under state authority.