A Fish Commissioner
The book "A Fish Commissioner" by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that follows the tale of a man named John who is appointed as a fish commissioner in a small town. John is initially excited about his new role, but soon realizes that the position is largely ceremonial and holds little actual power. Despite this, he becomes obsessed with his duties and spends much of his time at the local fish market, where he imagines himself as a sort of fish king. The story explores themes of ambition, power, and the human desire to exert control over one's surroundings.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1893 · Genre: Satire, Political Fiction, Social Commentary · 70 words
First lines
Great Joseph D. Redding -- illustrious name! -- Considered a fish-horn the trumpet of Fame.
That goddess was angry, and what do you think? Her trumpet she filled with a gallon of ink, And all through the Press, with a devilish glee, She sputtered and spattered the name of J.D.
What this Textopian page supports
A Fish Commissioner is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Political Fiction, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
- Length: 70 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Fish Commissioner 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 Fish Commissioner?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Ineffective Rooter by Ambrose Bierce
- Mendax by Ambrose Bierce
- The City Of Political Distinction by Ambrose Bierce
- Corrected News by Ambrose Bierce
- The Cat And The King by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — The book is known for Bierce's ironic and critical view of political and social systems, a defining feature of satire.
- Political Fiction — The story takes place in the sphere of politics and it serves as a reflection and critique of societal systems and political events.
- Social Commentary — Bierce extensively comments on societal systems, societal norms, and the ills of society.
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in a particular period of history, bringing up issues and situations relevant to that time.
Tags
humor · satire · fiction · short story · literary fiction · American literature · classic literature · vintage literature · amateur detective · mystery · whodunit · fish out of water