A Black-List by Ambrose Bierce

Name: A Black-List
Author: Ambrose Bierce

"A Black-List" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1893. The story follows the character of John H. Money, a man who has been blacklisted from his profession due to unethical practices. Money becomes obsessed with obtaining revenge on those who have wronged him and will stop at nothing to achieve it. As he delves deeper into his plan for revenge, Money's actions become increasingly erratic and dangerous, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion. Through the use of vivid imagery and suspenseful plot twists, Bierce explores themes of betrayal, obsession, and the consequences of one's actions.

By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Classic Literature · 177 words

First lines

"Resolved that we will post," the tradesmen say, "All names of debtors who do never pay." "Whose shall be first?" inquires the ready scribe -- "Who are the chiefs of the marauding tribe?" Lo! high Parnassus, lifting from the plain, Upon his hoary peak, a noble fane! Within that temple all the names are scrolled Of village bards upon a slab of gold; To that bad eminence, my friend, aspire, And copy thou the Roll of Fame, entire.

Yet not to total shame those names devote, But add in mercy this explaining note: "These cheat because the law makes theft a crime, And they obey all laws but laws of rhyme."

What this Textopian page supports

A Black-List is listed on Textopian as an essay by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1899 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Ambrose Bierce
Date: 1899 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Classic Literature
Length: 177 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for A Black-List by Ambrose Bierce
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering A Black-List?
How does this essay by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Satire first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Satire — Ambrose Bierce's 'A Black-List' is characterized by its critical tone and use of sarcasm to mock or ridicule its subjects, embodying key characteristics of Satire.
Short Stories — 'A Black-List' is a collection of various individual accounts, hence it falls under the genre of Short Stories.
Classic Literature — Bierce's works, including 'A Black-List', are often classified as Classic Literature due to the enduring nature of his storytelling and the period in which he was writing.