A Bubble by Ambrose Bierce (1870)
"A Bubble" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1894. The story follows a man named John who becomes obsessed with a soap bubble that he believes has the power to grant him immense wealth and happiness. Despite the warnings of his friends and family, John becomes increasingly fixated on the bubble, neglecting his responsibilities and relationships in the process. However, as the bubble begins to burst, John realizes too late the emptiness of his obsession and the true nature of his desires.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1870 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Allegory · 366 words
First lines
Mrs. Mehitable Marcia Moore Was a dame of superior mind, With a gown which, modestly fitting before, Was greatly puffed up behind.
The bustle she wore was ingeniously planned With an inspiration bright: It magnified seven diameters and Was remarkably nice and light.
What this Textopian page supports
A Bubble is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1870 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: 1870 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Allegory
- Length: 366 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Bubble by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Bubble?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Johndonkey by Ambrose Bierce
- Magnanimity by Ambrose Bierce
- A Guest by Ambrose Bierce
- A Jug Of Syrup by Ambrose Bierce
- The Two Cavees by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — The book is categorized by its utilization of humor, irony, exaggeration, and ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
- Short Stories — The book is subdivided into brief fictional stories.
- Allegory — The book uses symbols to express a deeper moral or spiritual meaning, or some other political or social issue.
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · fantasy · mystery · thriller · suspense · literary fiction · classic · american literature · short story · irony