The story revolves around a man who has been imprisoned for murder and is awaiting execution. He reflects on his past life, recalling the events that led to his imprisonment. The narrative jumps back and forth between the present moment in prison and the past, revealing the circumstances of the crime. Through this non-linear structure, the reader gains insight into the protagonist's character and the motivations behind his actions.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1868 · Genre: War Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Realism