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    18 Results with the "Satire" genre


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      by LovelyMay In "The Devil's Dictionary," Ambrose Bierce cynically dissects societal norms, behaviors, and beliefs through satirical definitions of common words and concepts. The passage dives into the absurdity of collective wisdom, suggesting a multitude's wisdom is only as strong as its most foolish member unless it follows its wisest one, challenging the idea that strength always comes in numbers. "Mummy" illustrates the western civilization's paradoxical respect and exploitation of ancient Egyptian mummies,…
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      by LovelyMay The Devil's Dictionary, a satirical piece by Ambrose Bierce, catalogs a variety of concepts with definitions that twist traditional meanings to expose the absurdity of societal norms and human behaviors. This section delves into various subjects, starting with the ancient deity Baal, recognized under different aliases across cultures, revered for its associations ranging from the sun god to the god of flies, reflecting the diverse and often contradictory ways in which deities were worshipped. The entry…
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      by LovelyMay The chapter from "The Devil's Dictionary" presents an acerbic and irreverent look at various concepts, starting from the definition of November as an embodiment of weariness to the critical examination of Orphan, depicted with a bitter acknowledgment of society's patronizing benevolence. Ambrose Bierce employs satire to dissect societal norms, blending cynicism with dark humor to illuminate the contradictions and absurdities of human nature and institutions. The entries range from Oath, highlighting its…
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      by LovelyMay The chapter from "The Devil's Dictionary" provides satirical definitions ranging from "CAABA" to "CROSS." It humorously distorts and subverts conventional meanings, often revealing a cynical or bitter view of society, institutions, and human behavior. Starting with "CAABA," defined as a large stone presented by the archangel Gabriel to Abraham, preserved at Mecca, the text suggests a contrast between the divine offering and human desire, hinting at Abraham's possible preference for bread over stone.…
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      by LovelyMay I'm ready to proceed with your request. Please upload the chapter you'd like…
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      by LovelyMay In a blend of cynicism and wit, "The Devil's Dictionary" by Ambrose Bierce offers a satirical spin on the English lexicon. It dissects common concepts, human behaviors, and social constructs with a sharp, critical eye, transforming ordinary definitions into insightful, often sardonic, critiques of human nature and society. Damn is humorously debated by scholars for its original sentiment, contrasting tranquility with tumultuous delight. Dance is described as a joyous activity, preferably involving a bit…
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      by LovelyMay In this portion of "The Devil's Dictionary," the author, with a sardonic wit, explores various topics through unconventional definitions that satirize societal norms, human behavior, and the folly inherent in accepted wisdom. The section commences with a playful critique of the alphabet, specifically the letter 'T', which is humorously tied to its Phoenician origins and associated absurdity. It quickly transitions into a series of biting commentaries on subjects ranging from the dining experience at a…
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      by LovelyMay The excerpt from "The Devil's Dictionary" presents a satirical and cynical take on various topics through a series of definitions. As Ambrose Bierce's creation, this work delves deep into human nature, society, politics, and many more by redefining common terms in a humorous and often dark manner. From "Dullard" to "Executive," Bierce provides a critical and sarcastic commentary on the concepts, twisting their conventional meanings to expose the absurdities of the human condition and societal…
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      by LovelyMay In "The Devil's Dictionary," a satirical piece by Ambrose Bierce, the chapter presents definitions for terms like "Ubiquity," "Ugliness," and "Ultimatum" with a characteristic blend of wit and cynicism. Ubiquity is described as the ability to be in all places at one time, distinct from omnipresence, which defines a presence in all places at all times—a trait attributed only to God and the luminiferous ether. The text humorously comments on the misunderstanding of this concept in the Middle Ages,…
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      by LovelyMay "The Devil's Dictionary" by Ambrose Bierce presents a cynical and satirical take on the human condition, institutions, and societal norms through a collection of definitions that reveal the underlying truths and absurdities of words we often take for granted. This chapter delves into a varied collection of such definitions, each exposing the irony, folly, and often the dark humor found in human affairs. From "Existence" defined as a transient, nightmarish dream ended by the relief of death, to "Fool," a…
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