# V explained — The Devil’s Dictionary

> Chapter companion for The Devil’s Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

This chapter presents cynical definitions of Valor, Vanity, Virtues, Vituperation, and Vote, each satirizing human folly, self-deception, and the absurdities of war, politics, and social pretension.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Violence

The definition of Valor and the anecdote about the commander at Chickamauga satirize the foolishness and self-importance in military conduct.

### Human Folly and Self-Deception

Vanity is described as 'the tribute of a fool to the worth of the nearest ass,' and the poem mocks those who boast about worthless work.

### Politics and Power

The definition of Vote as 'the instrument and symbol of a freeman’s power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country' critiques democratic participation.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator provides the definitions and commentary throughout the chapter.

## Key lines

> Valor A soldierly compound of vanity, duty and the gambler’s hope.

Valor is a mix of vanity, duty, and the gambler's optimism.

_Bierce reduces heroic courage to a blend of selfish motives and risky chance._

> Vanity The tribute of a fool to the worth of the nearest ass.

Vanity is what a fool pays to the nearest donkey's value.

_This definition mocks how vain people overvalue themselves and others._

> Vote The instrument and symbol of a freeman’s power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.

Voting is a free person's tool for self-ridicule and national ruin.

_Bierce cynically portrays democratic voting as destructive folly._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se/chapters/v
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se/chapters