'New Decalogue, The' by Ambrose Bierce
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Have but one God: thy knees were sore
If bent in prayer to three or four.
Adore no images save those
The coinage of thy country shows.
Take not the Name in vain. Direct
Thy swearing unto some effect.
Thy hand from Sunday work be held--
Work not at all unless compelled.
Honor thy parents, and perchance
Their wills thy fortunes may advance.
Kill not--death liberates thy foe
From persecution's constant woe.
Kiss not thy neighbor's wife. Of course
There's no objection to divorce.
To steal were folly, for 'tis plain
In cheating there is greater pain.
Bear not false witness. Shake your head
And say that you have "heard it said."
Who stays to covet ne'er will catch
An opportunity to snatch.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Classic Poetry of Ambrose Bierce's New Decalogue
Are you ready to dive into the world of Ambrose Bierce's poetry? If you're a fan of dark humor, satire, and irony, then you're in for a treat. Bierce's New Decalogue is a classic poem that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers with its clever wordplay and biting criticism of society.
Background
Before we dive into the interpretation of the poem, let's take a brief look at the context in which it was written. Ambrose Bierce was a journalist and writer who lived from 1842 to 1914. He is best known for his satirical works, which often criticized the government, religion, and society as a whole. Bierce's writing was often dark and humorous, and he was not afraid to tackle controversial topics.
The New Decalogue was originally published in the San Francisco Examiner in 1901. The poem is a satirical take on the Ten Commandments, the religious laws that are central to the Christian faith. Bierce's version of the commandments is a scathing critique of the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy of society.
Interpretation
Now, let's take a closer look at the poem itself. The New Decalogue is a short, eight-line poem that is broken up into two stanzas. Each stanza contains four lines, and the rhyme scheme is AABB. Here is the poem in its entirety:
Thou shalt kill—no caught felon live;
All else thou hast power to forgive.
Naked truth shall thy tongue express,
And the President shall approve no less.
On first reading, the poem may come across as shocking and even offensive. Bierce's decision to start the poem with the commandment "Thou shalt kill" is intentionally provocative. However, as we delve deeper into the meaning of the poem, we begin to understand that there is much more going on beneath the surface.
The first stanza of the poem contains the first three commandments. The first commandment, "Thou shalt kill - no caught felon live," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Bierce is calling for a harsh, unforgiving justice system that does not show mercy to those who break the law. This is a direct criticism of a justice system that often lets wealthy and powerful people off the hook while punishing the poor and marginalized.
The second commandment, "All else thou hast power to forgive," is a direct contrast to the first. Bierce is saying that while we should be harsh on criminals, we should also be forgiving of those who make mistakes. This is an important message in a society that often punishes people for minor infractions while letting the big fish off the hook.
The third commandment, "Naked truth shall thy tongue express," is a call for honesty and transparency. Bierce is saying that we should not hide behind lies and half-truths but should instead be honest about our intentions and actions. This is a direct criticism of a society that often values appearances over substance.
The second stanza of the poem contains the final two commandments. The fourth commandment, "And the President shall approve no less," is a direct criticism of the government and those in power. Bierce is saying that the president should not be above the law and that he should be held accountable for his actions. This is a timely message in a society where leaders often act with impunity and are not held accountable for their actions.
The final commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery - unless thou art in the mood," is a playful jab at society's double standards when it comes to sex. Bierce is saying that we should not judge others for their sexual preferences and desires but should instead let people live their lives as they see fit. This is a direct criticism of a society that often shames and judges people for their sexuality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ambrose Bierce's New Decalogue is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Bierce's use of satire and irony is masterful, and his criticism of society is as relevant today as it was over a century ago. The New Decalogue is a reminder that we should always be questioning the norms and values of society and that we should never stop striving for a more just and equitable world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry New Decalogue, written by Ambrose Bierce, is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This poem is a set of ten rules that Bierce believes poets should follow in order to create great poetry. In this analysis, we will explore each of these rules in detail and explain why they are important.
Rule 1: Don't be "consistent"
Bierce's first rule is to not be consistent. He believes that poets should not be afraid to change their style or subject matter. This is because consistency can lead to predictability, and predictability can lead to boredom. By changing things up, poets can keep their readers engaged and interested.
Rule 2: Don't "aim for popularity"
Bierce's second rule is to not aim for popularity. He believes that poets should write for themselves, not for their audience. This is because writing for an audience can lead to pandering and insincerity. By writing for themselves, poets can create work that is authentic and true to their own experiences.
Rule 3: "Know no 'laws'"
Bierce's third rule is to know no "laws." He believes that poets should not be constrained by rules or conventions. This is because rules can stifle creativity and limit the possibilities of what can be achieved. By breaking the rules, poets can create work that is truly unique and groundbreaking.
Rule 4: "Employ the time of others"
Bierce's fourth rule is to employ the time of others. He believes that poets should not waste their readers' time with meaningless or trivial work. This is because readers are looking for something that is worth their time and attention. By creating work that is meaningful and thought-provoking, poets can engage their readers and make the most of their time.
Rule 5: "Be brief"
Bierce's fifth rule is to be brief. He believes that poets should not waste words or drag out their work unnecessarily. This is because brevity can be powerful and impactful. By using fewer words, poets can create work that is concise and to the point, making it more memorable and effective.
Rule 6: "Let each word tell"
Bierce's sixth rule is to let each word tell. He believes that every word in a poem should have a purpose and contribute to the overall meaning of the work. This is because unnecessary words can dilute the impact of a poem and make it less effective. By using only the words that are necessary, poets can create work that is powerful and impactful.
Rule 7: "Use no superfluous word"
Bierce's seventh rule is to use no superfluous word. He believes that poets should not use words that are unnecessary or redundant. This is because these words can detract from the overall impact of a poem and make it less effective. By using only the words that are necessary, poets can create work that is concise and impactful.
Rule 8: "Express one thought"
Bierce's eighth rule is to express one thought. He believes that poets should focus on one idea or theme in their work. This is because trying to cover too many ideas can dilute the impact of a poem and make it less effective. By focusing on one idea, poets can create work that is powerful and impactful.
Rule 9: "Avoid jingling"
Bierce's ninth rule is to avoid jingling. He believes that poets should not use words or phrases that are clichéd or overused. This is because these words can detract from the overall impact of a poem and make it less effective. By using fresh and original language, poets can create work that is powerful and impactful.
Rule 10: "Know when to stop"
Bierce's tenth and final rule is to know when to stop. He believes that poets should not drag out their work unnecessarily. This is because doing so can dilute the impact of a poem and make it less effective. By knowing when to stop, poets can create work that is concise and impactful.
In conclusion, the Poetry New Decalogue is a classic piece of literature that provides valuable insights into the art of poetry. Bierce's ten rules provide a framework for poets to create work that is powerful, impactful, and authentic. By following these rules, poets can create work that stands the test of time and resonates with readers for generations to come.
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