Poetry · Character
Great Gorham
A looming figure of outsized reputation in Bierce's satiric landscape, whose grandeur the poet measures against the smallness of ordinary men.
supporting
Also known as Gorham
First appearance: poetry
As a supporting figure in Poetry, Great Gorham is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Enters a restaurant demanding an ounce of bacon and a bean; his fierce presence terrifies the waiter.
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Great Gorham stands as one of Bierce's grand-scale personages, invoked with the mock-heroic solemnity the poet reserves for the overpraised and the self-important. His greatness is asserted more than demonstrated, and…
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The fuller portrait of Great Gorham sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Great Gorham in poetryCharacter Web
15 connectionsA slice of how Great Gorham sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Mythological and Word-Warrior Figures
- Protagonist
- Personifications and Named Characters
- Religious and Historical Figures
+10 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the speaker’s obsessive pursuit of the divine rose fragrance…
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Great Gorham appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Great Gorham unlock in the free preview.
See Great Gorham in poetry