SHERIFF, n. In America the chief executive office of a…
“SHERIFF, n. In America the chief executive office of a country, whose most characteristic duties, in some of the Western and Southern States, are the catching and hanging of rogues. John Elmer Pettibone Cajee (I write of him with little glee) Was just as bad as he could be. 'Twas frequently remarked: I swon! The sun has never looked upon So bad a man as Neighbor John. A sinner through and through, he had This added fault: it made him mad To know another man was bad. In such a case he thought it right To rise at any hour of night And quench that wicked person's light. Despite the town's entreaties, he Would hale him to the nearest tree And leave him swinging wide and free. Or sometimes, if the humor came, A luckless wight's reluctant frame Was given to the cheerful flame. While it was turning nice and brown, All unconcerned John met the frown Of that austere and righteous town. How sad, his neighbors said, that he So scornful of the law should be -- An anar c, h”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A satirical definition of a sheriff as a corrupt official who punishes others while being morally compromised himself.
In simple terms: Sheriff described as corrupt and vengeful.
Key Takeaway
Beware power that corrupts.
Themes
corruption
justice
revenge
morality
satire
Mood
cynical
darkly humorous
critical
Type
satirical
political
literary
When to use this quote
- legal system
- small town politics
- personal vendettas
- public authority
Key Concepts
political satire
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this say about power and morality?
- How does satire reveal societal flaws?
A Different Perspective
The definition is exaggerated and not a factual description of any real sheriff.