A Dissertation on Dogs
"A Dissertation on Dogs" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1879. The story follows an unnamed narrator who reflects on the nature of dogs and their place in society. The narrator argues that dogs are not simply pets, but rather living beings with their own thoughts and feelings. He also explores the idea that dogs have a unique ability to understand and communicate with humans, and that they are capable of exhibiting complex emotions such as loyalty, gratitude, and even love. Throughout the story, Bierce uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to bring the reader into the world of dogs, creating a sense of empathy and understanding for these fascinating creatures.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1870 · Genre: Non-Fiction, Animal Studies, Academic · 4,840 words
First lines
OF ALL anachronisms and survivals, the love of the dog; is the most reasonless. Because, some thousands of years ago, when we wore other skins than our own and sat enthroned upon our haunches, tearing tangles of tendons from raw bones with our teeth, the dog ministered purveyorwise to our savage needs, we go on cherishing him to this day, when his only function is to lie sun-soaken on a door mat and insult us as we pass in and out, enamored of his fat superfluity. One dog in a thousand earns his bread -- and takes beefsteak; the other nine hundred and ninety-nine we maintain, by cheating the poor, in the style suitable to their state.
What this Textopian page supports
A Dissertation on Dogs is listed on Textopian as an essay 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: Essay
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1870 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Non-Fiction, Animal Studies, Academic, Humor
- Length: 4,840 words
- Structure: 1 section, 36 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Dissertation on Dogs 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 Dissertation on Dogs?
- How does this essay by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Non-Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Tale Of Mrs Tiggy Winkle by Beatrix Potter
- Civilization by Ambrose Bierce
- The Cat And The Birds by Ambrose Bierce
- The Wolf And The Shepherds by Ambrose Bierce
- The Treasure by Alice Meynell
- An Obituarian by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Non-Fiction — Ambrose Bierce's 'A DISSERTATION ON DOGS' appears to be a scholarly or argumentative piece, based on the title, particularly indicative of non-fiction content.
- Animal Studies — The reference to 'dogs' in the title suggests that the subject or theme of the book revolves around animal studies, specifically canine studies.
- Academic — The use of the term 'dissertation' suggests the book might contain in-depth research or study in a particular discipline thus classifying it under academic genre.
- Humor — Ambrose Bierce is known for his biting wit and satire. The title might imply an ironic or humorous approach to the subject, thus it may fall under humor genre.
Tags
humor · essay · dogs · animals · nature · observation · writing · literature · classic · American · 19th century · short