A "Born Leader of Men"
"Born Leader of Men" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, published in 1893. The story follows the life of a man named John Harkaway, who is born with a natural talent for leadership. Despite his humble beginnings as a farmhand, Harkaway rises to prominence through sheer force of will and determination. He becomes a successful businessman and politician, but his ambition ultimately leads him down a path of destruction. The story explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1895 · Genre: Military Fiction, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 192 words
First lines
Tuckerton Tamerlane Morey Mahosh Is a statesman of world-wide fame, With a notable knack at rhetorical bosh To glorify somebody's name -- Somebody chosen by Tuckerton's masters To succor the country from divers disasters Portentous to Mr. Mahosh.
Percy O'Halloran Tarpy Cabee Is in the political swim.
He cares not a button for men, not he: Great principles captivate him -- Principles cleverly cut out and fitted To Percy's capacity, duly submitted, And fought for by Mr. Cabee.
Drusus Turn Swinnerton Porfer Fitzurse Holds office the most of his life.
What this Textopian page supports
A "Born Leader of Men" is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Military Fiction, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 192 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A "Born Leader of Men" by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A "Born Leader of Men"?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Military Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Out Of Sorts by Anton Chekhov
- A Statesman by Ambrose Bierce
- Stellenbosh by Rudyard Kipling
- Unarmed by Ambrose Bierce
- The New Army In Training by Rudyard Kipling
- The Battle Of Dorking by George Chesney
Genres
- Military Fiction — Ambrose Bierce is known for his military fiction, and the title suggests a story about a leader, possibly in a military context.
- Historical Fiction — Bierce frequently incorporates historical elements into his novels.
- Psychological Fiction — Considering Bierce's narration style and focus on character psychology, the book possibly delves into its protagonist’s psychological journey.
Tags
leadership · men · born · ambition · power · authority · influence · motivation · inspiration · military · war · strategy