A Forfeited Right by Ambrose Bierce
A Forfeited Right by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of loss and regret. The narrator reflects on his past mistakes and missed opportunities, realizing too late the value of the things he has lost. The story follows the protagonist as he recounts his life's regrets, from his failed business ventures to his unrequited love. Despite his best efforts, he is unable to undo the past and must come to terms with the consequences of his actions. Through the use of vivid imagery and poignant language, Bierce crafts a powerful tale that resonates with readers long after they finish reading it. The story's themes of loss and regret are universal and relatable, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences today.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Literary Fiction · 184 words
First lines
The Chief of the Weather Bureau having predicted a fine day, a Thrifty
Person hastened to lay in a large stock of umbrellas, which he exposed for sale on the sidewalk; but the weather remained clear, and nobody would buy. Thereupon the Thrifty Person brought an action against the
Chief of the Weather Bureau for the cost of the umbrellas.
"Your Honour," said the defendant's attorney, when the case was called,
What this Textopian page supports
A Forfeited Right is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1899 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Literary Fiction, Drama
- Length: 184 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Forfeited Right 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 Forfeited Right?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Needless Labour by Ambrose Bierce
- Disavowal by Ambrose Bierce
- Yorick by Ambrose Bierce
- Contentment by Ambrose Bierce
- In Contumaciam by Ambrose Bierce
- An Inadequate Fee by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is known for his satirical writing, which also applies to 'A Forfeited Right'. The story often mocks societal norms and behaviors.
- Short Stories — The work falls into the 'Short Stories' genre due to its brief narrative.
- Literary Fiction — Bierce's work is recognized for its rich and carefully crafted prose, marking it as a work of literary fiction.
- Drama — The story involves interpersonal conflict and emotional tension, common elements in Drama.
Tags
gothic · horror · mystery · thriller · supernatural · fiction · literary · classic · american · 19th century · short story · psychological