A Critic by Ambrose Bierce (1870)
"A Critic" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1897. The story follows the life of a literary critic named John Smith, who has dedicated his life to analyzing and critiquing the works of other authors. Despite his success as a critic, Smith feels unfulfilled and empty inside, as he has never experienced true passion or joy in his life. One day, while reading a particularly poorly written novel, Smith suddenly experiences a profound epiphany - he realizes that he has been living his life according to societal expectations rather than his own desires. With this newfound understanding, Smith sets out to find true happiness and fulfillment in his life, free from the constraints of his critical persona.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1870 · Genre: Satire, Nonfiction, Humor · 240 words
First lines
[Apparently the Cleveland "Leader" is not a good judge of poetry. -- "The Morning Call".]
That from "you", neighbor! to whose vacant lot Each rhyming literary knacker scourges His cart-compelling Pegasus to trot, As folly, fame or famine smartly urges?
Admonished by the stimulating goad, How gaily, lo! the spavined crow-bait prances -- Its cart before it -- eager to unload The dead-dog sentiments and swill-tub fancies.
Gravely the sweating scavenger pulls out The tail-board of his curst imagination, Shoots all his rascal rubbish, and, no doubt, Thanks Fortune for so good a dumping-station.
What this Textopian page supports
A Critic 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, Nonfiction, Humor, Political
- Length: 240 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Critic by Ambrose Bierce
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Satire — The book's primary intent is to critique or mock ideas or societal norms, key traits of satire.
- Nonfiction — The content is based on real events and people.
- Humor — Humorous language is used throughout the piece.
- Political — Discussion and criticism of political ideas and figures are central to the book.
Tags
humor · satire · critique · literary analysis · book review · culture · society · politics · history · fiction · short story · irony