A False Prophecy by Ambrose Bierce
"A False Prophecy" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. The story follows a man named John Harkaway, who has been wrongly accused of murder and sentenced to death. As he awaits his execution, Harkaway becomes convinced that he will be saved by a mysterious prophecy that he has heard. Despite the skepticism of those around him, Harkaway becomes increasingly obsessed with the prophecy, which he believes will prove his innocence and lead to his salvation. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the prophecy is nothing more than a cruel hoax, and Harkaway must confront the harsh reality of his situation.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1878 · Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Horror · 175 words
First lines
Dom Pedro, Emperor of far Brazil (Whence coffee comes and the three-cornered nut), They say that you're imperially ill, And threatened with paralysis. Tut-tut! Though Emperors are mortal, nothing but A nimble thunderbolt could catch and kill A man predestined to depart this life By the assassin's bullet, bomb or knife.
Sir, once there was a President who freed Ten million slaves; and once there was a Czar Who freed five times as many serfs. Sins breed The means of punishment, and tyrants are Hurled headlong out of the triumphal car If faster than the law allows they speed.
Lincoln and Alexander struck a rut; "You" freed slaves too. Paralysis -- tut-tut!
1885.
What this Textopian page supports
A False Prophecy is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1878 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: 1878 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
- Length: 175 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A False Prophecy by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A False Prophecy?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- An Interpretation by Ambrose Bierce
- A Lifted Finger by Ambrose Bierce
- An Unfinished Race by Ambrose Bierce
- The Death Of Halpin Frayser by Ambrose Bierce
- A Possibility by Ambrose Bierce
- A Transposition by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fantasy — The title 'A False Prophecy' suggests a plot revolving around a prediction or foresight that may not turn out to be true, which is a common trope in fantasy.
- Mystery — The implication of a prediction gone wrong could lead to a series of unexplained events, falling under the mystery genre.
- Horror — False prophecies often lead to disastrous outcomes, suiting the horror genre. Additionally, Ambrose Bierce is known for his horror and supernatural works.
- Science Fiction — The storyline may incorporate elements of time, prediction, and the paradox of prophecy, aligning it with science fiction.
Tags
gothic fiction · supernatural horror · mystery · thriller · psychological suspense · literary fiction · american literature · 19th century literature · short story collection · symbolism · allegory · fable