A Holy Terror by Ambrose Bierce
The story revolves around a man who seeks revenge against the society that wronged him. He becomes increasingly unhinged and violent, eventually turning on his own family. The narrative explores themes of morality, justice, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1868 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Western, Dark Comedy · 5 chapters · 5,908 words
First lines
There was an entire lack of interest in the latest arrival at Hurdy-Gurdy. He was not even christened with the picturesquely descriptive nickname which is so frequently a mining camp's word of welcome to the newcomer. In almost any other camp thereabout this circumstance would of itself have secured him some such appellation as "The White-headed Conundrum," or "No Sarvey" -- an expression naively supposed to suggest to quick intelligences the Spanish quién sabe. He came without provoking a ripple of concern upon the social surface of Hurdy-Gurdy -- a place which to the general Californian contempt of men's personal history superadded a local indifference of its own. The time was long past when it was of any importance who came there, or if anybody came. No one was living at Hurdy-Gurdy.
What this Textopian page supports
A Holy Terror is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1868 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: 1868 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Western, Dark Comedy, Literary Fiction, Adventure
- Length: 5,908 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 45 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Holy Terror 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 Holy Terror?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The story features dark themes, a graveyard setting, and elements of horror and the macabre, typical of Gothic literature.
- Western — Set in a mining camp during the California Gold Rush, it explores themes of frontier life, mining culture, and the harsh realities of the West.
- Dark Comedy — The narrative employs irony and humor in the face of death and despair, particularly through the character interactions and the absurdity of the situation.
- Literary Fiction — The work focuses on character development and thematic depth, exploring human emotions and societal commentary.
Tags
American Literature · Dark Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Critique of Religion · Anti-War · War Fiction · Psychological Thriller · Gothic Fiction · Supernatural Elements · Mystery · Suspense
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III
- CHAPTER IV
- CHAPTER V