The Devil’s Dictionary · Chapter
V explained
This chapter presents cynical definitions of Valor, Vanity, Virtues, Vituperation, and Vote, each satirizing human folly, self-deception, and the absurdities of war, politics, and social pretension.
What happens
This chapter presents cynical definitions of Valor, Vanity, Virtues, Vituperation, and Vote, each satirizing human folly, self-deception, and the absurdities of war, politics, and social pretension.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional/psychological peak occurs in the "Ultimatum" entry, where the Turkish Ministry’s elaborate, hype…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- War and Violence
The definition of Valor and the anecdote about the commander at Chickamauga satirize the foolishness and self-importance in military conduct.
- Human Folly and Self-Deception
Vanity is described as 'the tribute of a fool to the worth of the nearest ass,' and the poem mocks those who boast about worthless work.
- Politics and Power
The definition of Vote as 'the instrument and symbol of a freeman’s power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country' critiques democratic participation.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator provides the definitions and commentary throughout the chapter.
Key passages
“Valor A soldierly compound of vanity, duty and the gambler’s hope.”
Valor is a mix of vanity, duty, and the gambler's optimism.
Bierce reduces heroic courage to a blend of selfish motives and risky chance.
“Vanity The tribute of a fool to the worth of the nearest ass.”
Vanity is what a fool pays to the nearest donkey's value.
This definition mocks how vain people overvalue themselves and others.
“Vote The instrument and symbol of a freeman’s power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.”
Voting is a free person's tool for self-ridicule and national ruin.
Bierce cynically portrays democratic voting as destructive folly.
