“The Devil’s Dictionary” by Ambrose Bierce is a literary work that has stood the test of time. This satirical dictionary was first published in 1906, and has since been reprinted many times. “The Devil’s Dictionary” is a collection of humorous and satirical definitions of common words, and is a classic example of Bierce’s wit and humor.
Bierce’s “The Devil’s Dictionary” is an allegory that satirizes the hypocrisy of human nature and the corruption of society. The book is divided into three parts, and each part is dedicated to a different aspect of society. The first part is dedicated to the “Devil’s Dictionary,” which is a collection of words and their definitions. The second part is dedicated to the “Cynic’s Word Book,” which is a collection of words and their definitions that are more cynical and pessimistic than the “Devil’s Dictionary.” The third part is dedicated to the “Enlarged Devil’s Dictionary,” which is a collection of words and their definitions that are even more cynical and pessimistic than the first two parts.
Ambrose Bierce: Author Profile
Ambrose Bierce was an American journalist, writer, and satirist born in 1842. He is best known for his book “The Devil’s Dictionary,” which is a collection of satirical definitions of common words. Bierce started his career as a journalist and worked for several newspapers including the San Francisco News Letter and the Examiner.
Bierce was a prolific writer, and his works covered a wide range of topics including war, politics, and society. He was known for his sharp wit and his ability to use satire to expose the flaws and hypocrisy of society. In addition to “The Devil’s Dictionary,” Bierce wrote several other books, including “Tales of Soldiers and Civilians” and “Can Such Things Be?”
Bierce’s writing style was characterized by his use of irony, sarcasm, and dark humor. He was also known for his concise and precise writing, which helped to make his works accessible to a wide audience. Bierce’s influence can be seen in the works of many modern writers, including Kurt Vonnegut and Hunter S. Thompson.
Overview of ‘The Devil’s Dictionary’
“The Devil’s Dictionary” is a satirical lexicon written by American journalist Ambrose Bierce. The book consists of common words followed by humorous and often cynical definitions. Bierce wrote the lexicon over three decades as a series of installments for magazines and newspapers.
The original title of the book was “The Cynic’s Word Book,” but it was later changed to “The Devil’s Dictionary.” The book contains over 1,000 entries, each with its own unique definition.
Bierce’s witty and biting definitions often reflect his own personal views and experiences. He was known for his sarcastic and cynical writing style, and “The Devil’s Dictionary” is no exception. His definitions often challenge conventional wisdom and social norms.
Despite being written over a century ago, “The Devil’s Dictionary” remains relevant and entertaining to this day. Its unique blend of humor and satire continues to captivate readers and inspire new generations of writers.
Historical Context and Publication
“The Devil’s Dictionary” is a satirical dictionary written by American journalist Ambrose Bierce. The lexicon was written over three decades as a series of installments for magazines and newspapers. Bierce’s witty definitions were imitated and plagiarized for years before he gathered them into books, first as “The Cynic’s Word Book” in 1906, and later as “The Devil’s Dictionary” in 1911.
Bierce began writing the dictionary in 1881, and it was continued in a desultory way at long intervals until its publication. The book was published by the Neale Publishing Company, and it contained over 1,000 definitions. The book was well-received and has since become a classic of American literature.
Bierce’s dictionary was a reflection of the social and political climate of the time. It was a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization, and Bierce’s biting wit and satire were a reflection of the cynicism and skepticism of the time. The dictionary was a commentary on the corruption and hypocrisy of the political and social elite of the time.
Themes and Allegories in the Dictionary
“The Devil’s Dictionary” by Ambrose Bierce is a satirical work that uses humor to mock and criticize various aspects of society. One of the themes explored in the dictionary is the concept of truth. Bierce uses irony and sarcasm to show how truth can be manipulated and distorted to serve individual interests. He also highlights the dangers of blindly accepting conventional wisdom and the importance of critical thinking.
Another important theme in the dictionary is the corrupting influence of power. Bierce exposes the hypocrisy and greed of those in positions of authority, and shows how they use their power to oppress and exploit others. He also critiques the blind obedience and sycophancy of those who serve the powerful, and the dangers of unchecked authority.
Bierce also explores the theme of morality in the dictionary. He challenges traditional notions of morality and exposes the contradictions and inconsistencies in moral codes. He also shows how moral judgments can be used to justify oppression and discrimination.
Satire and Cultural Critique
“The Devil’s Dictionary” is an extraordinary work of scathing satire that provides new humorous definitions of the words that formed the lexicon of contemporary American life. Ambrose Bierce’s witty definitions painted a revealing portrait of late 19th-century American life, with all its excesses, hypocrisies, and absurdities.
Through his satirical dictionary, Bierce aimed to expose the flaws and vices of society, politics, and human nature. He used humor as a weapon to critique the cultural norms and values of his time, challenging the readers to question their own assumptions and beliefs.
Bierce’s satire was not limited to any particular group or institution, as he mocked everyone from politicians, lawyers, and journalists to ordinary people, religion, and morality. His biting wit spared no one and nothing, making “The Devil’s Dictionary” a timeless masterpiece of cultural critique.
Language and Literary Style
“The Devil’s Dictionary” is a satirical masterpiece that uses language and literary style to create a humorous and witty commentary on the society of the time. Ambrose Bierce’s writing style is characterized by his use of irony, sarcasm, and wit to convey his message.
Bierce’s use of language is both clever and insightful. He takes common words and phrases and twists their meanings to create a humorous effect. For example, he defines a politician as “an eel in the fundamental mud upon which the superstructure of organized society is reared.” This definition captures the essence of his satirical style, which is to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of those in power.
Bierce’s writing style is also characterized by his use of literary devices such as alliteration, metaphor, and hyperbole. He uses these devices to create a rhythm and flow to his writing that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. His use of repetition, for example, creates a sense of humor and irony that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Notable Entries and Their Significance
“The Devil’s Dictionary” by Ambrose Bierce is a satirical dictionary that redefines common words and phrases with humorous and satirical definitions. Here are some of the most notable entries and their significance:
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Politics: “A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.” This definition perfectly captures the essence of politics, which is often more about personal gain than serving the public good.
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Love: “A temporary insanity curable by marriage.” Bierce’s definition of love is cynical but also humorous. It highlights the idea that love is often fleeting and that marriage is a way to cure it.
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Marriage: “The state or condition of a community consisting of a master, a mistress, and two slaves, making in all, two.” This definition of marriage is a commentary on the traditional gender roles in marriage, where the man is the master, the woman is the mistress, and the children are the slaves.
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Lawyer: “One skilled in circumvention of the law.” Bierce’s definition of a lawyer is a play on the idea that lawyers are experts at finding loopholes in the law and using them to their advantage.
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Cynic: “A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.” Bierce’s definition of a cynic is a commentary on the idea that cynics are often seen as negative or pessimistic, but in reality, they are simply realistic.
Influence on Modern Satire and Lexicography
Ambrose Bierce’s “The Devil’s Dictionary” has had a significant influence on modern satire and lexicography. Many modern writers have been inspired by Bierce’s witty and cynical definitions. The book has become a classic work of satire, and its influence can be seen in many modern works of humor.
The book has also had an impact on lexicography. Bierce’s definitions often play with the multiple meanings of words, and this approach has been adopted by many modern lexicographers. The book has become a model for those who seek to create dictionaries that are both informative and entertaining.
In addition, Bierce’s book has had an impact on the English language itself. Many of the words and phrases that Bierce coined or popularized, such as “bromide” and “smash-up,” are still in use today. The book has become a part of the English language, and its influence can be seen in the way that we use words and language today.
Criticism and Reception
The Devil’s Dictionary has received mixed reviews since its publication. Some critics have praised Bierce’s wit and satire, while others have criticized the book’s pessimistic and cynical tone.
One of the criticisms of The Devil’s Dictionary is that it is too negative and cynical. Some critics have argued that Bierce’s satire is too harsh and that he is too quick to criticize without offering any constructive solutions. However, others have praised Bierce’s ability to expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of society.
Another criticism of The Devil’s Dictionary is that it is outdated and no longer relevant. Some critics have argued that Bierce’s satire is too specific to his time and place and that it does not resonate with modern readers. However, others have argued that Bierce’s satire is timeless and that it still speaks to the human condition.
Despite the criticisms, The Devil’s Dictionary has remained popular and has been widely read and studied. Its influence can be seen in the work of later satirists, such as H.L. Mencken and Mark Twain. The book’s enduring popularity is a testament to Bierce’s skill as a writer and his ability to capture the essence of human nature in all its absurdity.
Legacy of ‘The Devil’s Dictionary’
Ambrose Bierce’s “The Devil’s Dictionary” is a classic work of satire that has left a lasting impact on American literature. The book’s legacy can be seen in its influence on subsequent works of satire and comedy.
One of the most significant ways in which “The Devil’s Dictionary” has influenced literature is through its use of irony and sarcasm. Bierce’s biting wit and clever wordplay have inspired many writers to use humor as a means of social commentary and critique.
In addition to its impact on literature, “The Devil’s Dictionary” has also had a lasting influence on the English language itself. Many of the book’s definitions have become part of the lexicon, and are still used today. For example, Bierce’s definition of a “cynic” as “a blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be” is still widely quoted and referenced.