A Hymn of the Many by Ambrose Bierce
"A HYMN OF THE MANY" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1896. The story follows a group of soldiers who are part of an unnamed army during the American Civil War. The soldiers are tired of fighting and long for peace, but their commanding officer refuses to surrender. As they march towards their next battle, the soldiers begin to question their loyalty to their cause and the true meaning of victory. Through a series of vignettes, Bierce explores themes of war, sacrifice, and the human cost of conflict. The story ends with a haunting image of the soldiers singing a hymn as they march towards their fate.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1898 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Satire · 202 words
First lines
God's people sorely were oppressed, I heard their lamentations long; -- I hear their singing, clear and strong, I see their banners in the West!
The captains shout the battle-cry, The legions muster in their might; They turn their faces to the light, They lift their arms, they testify:
"We sank beneath the Master's thong, Our chafing chains were ne'er undone; -- Now clash your lances in the sun And bless your banners with a song!
"God bides his time with patient eyes While tyrants build upon the land; -- He lifts his face, he lifts his hand, And from the stones his temples rise.
What this Textopian page supports
A Hymn of the Many is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Satire
- Length: 202 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Hymn of the Many 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
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Fantasy — The book delves into a mystical realm of various deities, drawing on elements of supernatural and the fantastical.
- Philosophical Fiction — The story provocatively explores existential and philosophical questions related to theology, morality and human condition.
- Satire — Bierce's characteristic biting wit and cynical tone are present, satirically criticizing various religious and societal conventions.
Tags
Fantasy · Allegory · Symbolism · Mythology · Supernatural · Speculative Fiction · Short Story Collection · Gothic Fiction · Horror · Dark Humor · Social Commentary · Political Satire