91 Results with the "Satire" genre


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      Chapter B

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      by LovelyMay Chapter B begins with a look at Baal, a deity once worshipped across various ancient civilizations, often symbolizing power and natural forces. Bierce does not simply define Baal as a figure of mythology; he connects it to the confusion born of humanity’s attempts to build structures—literal and ideological—that reach too far. By referencing the story of Babel, he draws a line between the ambition to touch the divine and the chaos that follows. The implication is that veneration often disguises…
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      Chapter C

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      by LovelyMay Chapter C opens with Bierce’s knack for blending satire and sharp observation, starting with Caaba, a stone linked to Abraham that embodies religious ambiguity and human folly. By connecting it to the story of Babel, Bierce hints that divine worship often conceals confusion and vanity, turning sacred symbols into reminders of human error. This sets the stage for a series of definitions that unravel accepted meanings to reveal underlying absurdities in culture and belief. His humor highlights how even…
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      Chapter D

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      by LovelyMay Chapter D sets the tone with the redefinition of Damn, a word that Bierce cleverly allows to shift in meaning depending on who defines it—be it theologian, philosopher, or common man. This ambiguity allows him to satirize how language, especially in moral contexts, is shaped more by perception than principle. Bierce uses the term to mock not just religious doctrine, but the human tendency to tailor judgment for convenience. Through this lens, condemnation becomes a flexible tool used selectively. His wit…
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      Chapter E

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      by LovelyMay Chapter E opens with a humorous yet insightful look at Eating, defined by Bierce as the successful coordination of many bodily functions, distinguishing between mere consumption and the true enjoyment of a meal. This contrast highlights how the physical act of nourishment often lacks the pleasure associated with fine dining. Through a witty anecdote about the gastronome Brillat-Savarin, Bierce sets the tone for his exploration of ordinary acts, revealing their deeper cultural and emotional layers. The…
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      Chapter F

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      by LovelyMay Chapter F begins with Bierce’s playful critique of the mythical Fairy, portrayed not as a symbol of innocence but as a mischievous relic of outdated belief systems. He recalls how laws once protected these fictional beings, illustrating the absurd lengths to which societies have gone to defend the imaginary. By invoking their reported appearances in the 19th century, Bierce highlights the human tendency to embrace superstition, even when faced with advancing reason. His depiction draws attention to how…
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      Chapter L

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      by LovelyMay Chapter L opens with a stark look at Labor, which Bierce describes as an effort not for personal gain but for the benefit of someone else—typically an employer or master. This definition frames labor as a one-sided transaction in which toil and time are exchanged for minimal return, questioning the dignity often associated with hard work. He implies that work, praised as virtuous, often disguises exploitation beneath the language of duty. Bierce’s entry calls attention to how society masks inequality…
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      Chapter M

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      by LovelyMay Chapter M opens with Bierce’s sardonic interpretation of Mace, not as an ornamental staff of office, but as a relic of violence disguised in symbolism. Once wielded to physically crush opposition, it now merely represents authority—yet the threat it implies has not vanished. Bierce suggests that all symbols of power retain traces of their brutal origins, no matter how ceremonial they appear today. This observation invites reflection on how civilization dresses violence in the robes of civility. The…
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      Chapter N

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      by LovelyMay Chapter N begins with Bierce’s take on Nectar, the mythical drink of the gods, rendered here as a lost recipe that modern drinkers in Kentucky may have accidentally stumbled upon. His tone lightly mocks the human tendency to romanticize ancient myth while indulging in earthly pleasures that serve similar purposes. Bierce transforms nectar from a symbol of divine vitality to a joke about strong spirits, linking the sacred and profane through satire. This sets the stage for the chapter’s interplay…
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      Chapter O

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      by LovelyMay Chapter O begins with Bierce’s sardonic take on Oath, described not just as a solemn vow but as an appeal to a deity designed to scare someone into telling the truth. He points out that its real power comes less from divine authority and more from the fear of perjury and punishment. The deeper suggestion is that society often relies on fear rather than integrity to uphold honesty. Bierce’s view strips the ceremonial dignity from the act and leaves behind a mechanism rooted in human insecurity. The oath…
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      Chapter P

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      by LovelyMay Chapter P opens with Bierce’s treatment of Pain, which he describes not merely as a physical sensation but as a reminder of life’s imperfection. It is framed not as something to avoid, but something that teaches—unwanted yet often more honest than pleasure. Bierce argues that pain, unlike happiness, demands attention and shapes behavior. In his view, discomfort is more instructive than joy, serving as a sobering influence on human pride. Through this, pain is elevated from nuisance to necessary…
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