# Salomon — Poetry character guide

> Salomon in Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0000-poetry

## Snapshot

Salomon, a name evoking the biblical king of wisdom, invoked in Bierce's verse as a touchstone for judging the folly of supposedly wise men.

## Who they are

Salomon carries the weight of proverbial wisdom, the ancient king whose judgment became synonymous with discernment. Bierce sets such a standard against the pretensions of modern critics, politicians, and reformers, letting the contrast do the satirical work. He matters as a measuring stick: when the poet invokes Salomon, he is asking how far his contemporaries have fallen from any real wisdom.

## In the story

### [To E. S. Salomon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/to-e-s-salomon)

Addressed directly for his protest against decorating Confederate graves; criticized for lacking soldierly respect for the dead.

### [The Unfallen Brave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/the-unfallen-brave)

Chimes in with Barnes, suggesting he is similarly motivated by personal recognition rather than genuine remembrance.

### [An Undress Uniform](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/an-undress-uniform)

Used as an example of a hero whose true nature would be recognized even in a shroud on the gallows.

### [Memorial Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/memorial-day)

Listed as 'Salomon-in-all-his-glory' among the orators now silent.

### [Chapter XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/xxx)

Subject of the epitaph; his body is said to repose, with ironic praise for his discretion and valor.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/characters/salomon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/characters