The Devil’s Dictionary · Chapter
P explained
This chapter presents a series of cynical definitions for words beginning with the letter P, including 'Pig,' 'Pilgrim,' 'Piracy,' 'Pity,' 'Plagiarism,' 'Politician,' 'Politics,' 'Poverty,' 'Prayer,' 'Prejudice,' 'Presidency,' 'Press,' 'Pre
What happens
This chapter presents a series of cynical definitions for words beginning with the letter P, including 'Pig,' 'Pilgrim,' 'Piracy,' 'Pity,' 'Plagiarism,' 'Politician,' 'Politics,' 'Poverty,' 'Prayer,' 'Prejudice,' 'Presidency,' 'Press,' 'Prevaricator,' 'Prude,' 'Publish,' and 'Pygmy,' among others. The definitions satirize human nature, religion, politics, and social conventions.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Duplicity
The definitions of 'Politeness' as 'the most acceptable hypocrisy' and 'Philanthropist' as a rich man whose conscience picks his pocket highlight the theme of duplicity in social and moral behavior.
Politics and Power
Definitions such as 'Politician' (an eel in the mud), 'Politics' (a strife of interests masquerading as principles), and 'Presidency' (a race for a prize) critique political power and its self-serving nature.
Human Folly and Self-Deception
Entries like 'Pity' (a failing sense of exemption), 'Pleasure' (the least hateful form of dejection), and 'Positive' (mistaken at the top of one's voice) expose human self-deception and folly.
Critique of Religion
The definition of 'Piety' as reverence based on God's supposed resemblance to man, and 'Prayer' as asking that the laws of the universe be annulled, critique religious practices and beliefs.
Characters to notice
- Pharaoh
Mentioned in the definition of 'Plague' as 'Pharaoh the Immune' in the context of ancient plagues.
- Shakespeare
Quoted in the definition of 'Physiognomy' with a line from Macbeth, then criticized by the physiognomists.
- Father Gassalasca Jape
Attributed as the source of the quotation in the definition of 'Pig' and 'Piety' from 'Judibras'.
- Aristotle
Referenced in the definition of 'Peripatetic' as the philosopher who walked while teaching to avoid pupils' objections.
- Moses
Mentioned in the definition of 'Pharaoh' as 'Moses Who slew the Egyptian'.
- Dr. Samuel Johnson
Referenced in the definition of 'Politician' as a comparison to the statesman, implying Johnson's views.
- Plato
Mentioned in the definition of 'Platonic' as pertaining to the philosophy of Socrates.
- Andrew Carnegie
Referenced in the definition of 'Philanthropist' as a rich old gentleman who grins while his conscience picks his pocket.
Key passages
“Pig An animal ( Porcus omnivorus ) closely allied to the human race by the splendor and vivacity of its appetite, which, however, is inferior in scope, for it sticks at pig.”
A pig is an animal that resembles humans in its hearty appetite, but unlike humans, it does not eat its own kind.
Satirical comparison between human and animal appetites.
“Politician An eel in the fundamental mud upon which the superstructure of organized society is reared. When he wriggles he mistakes the agitation of his tail for the trembling of the edifice.”
A politician is like an eel in the mud of society; when he moves, he wrongly thinks his actions are shaking the whole social structure.
Critique of politicians' self-importance and delusion.
“Politics A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.”
Politics is a conflict of self-interests disguised as a debate over ideals, where public matters are managed for personal gain.
Cynical view of political motivations.
“Prayer The act of asking that the laws of the universe be annulled on behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy.”
Prayer is the act of requesting that the natural order be suspended for someone who admits they don't deserve it.
Satirical take on the nature of prayer.
“Prejudice A vagrant opinion without visible means of support.”
Prejudice is an unfounded opinion that has no rational basis.
Definition highlighting the baselessness of prejudice.
