A Cold Greeting by Ambrose Bierce
"A Cold Greeting" by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the theme of isolation and loneliness. The narrator, who is unnamed, describes a man named Smith who has been left alone in his house after his wife's death. Despite the efforts of his friends to reach out to him, Smith remains isolated and distant, preferring to spend his time alone rather than engaging with others. The story raises questions about the nature of human connection and the importance of social interaction in our lives. Bierce uses the character of Smith to highlight the negative consequences of isolation and loneliness, and to encourage readers to appreciate the value of human relationships. Overall, "A Cold Greeting" is a thought-provoking and moving story that explores some of the most fundamental aspects of human nature.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Horror, Short Stories, Mystery · 730 words
First lines
THIS is a story told by the late Benson Foley of San Francisco:
What this Textopian page supports
A Cold Greeting is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Mystery, Supernatural, Ghost Story
- Length: 730 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Cold Greeting 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 Cold Greeting?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Party Over There by Ambrose Bierce
- The Haunted Valley by Ambrose Bierce
- The Division Superintendent by Ambrose Bierce
- Reminded by Ambrose Bierce
- A Warning by Ambrose Bierce
- An Invocation by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Horror — The story presents a supernatural experience where the protagonist encounters his dead friend, aligning the story with the horror genre.
- Short Stories — The book is a brief narrative, fitting into the genre of short stories.
- Mystery — Elements of mystery are present as the protagonist tries to understand the strange, eerie occurrences.
- Supernatural — The narrative involves the eerie encounter with a dead friend, which aligns with supernatural themes.
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · fiction · short story · classic · literature · american literature · 19th century literature · ghost story