A Jug of Syrup by Ambrose Bierce
The story revolves around a man who is given a jug of syrup that he believes will bring him wealth and success. However, the syrup has no actual value and its supposed benefits are merely a product of his own imagination. The narrative explores themes of delusion, greed, and the human tendency to attribute magical properties to inanimate objects.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1867 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Dark Comedy, Literary Fiction · 3,079 words
First lines
This narrative begins with the death of its hero. Silas Deemer died on the 16th day of July, 1863, and two days later his remains were buried. As he had been personally known to every man, woman and well-grown child in the village, the funeral, as the local newspaper phrased it, "was largely attended. " In accordance with a custom of the time and place, the coffin was opened at the graveside and the entire assembly of friends and neighbors filed past, taking a last look at the face of the dead. And then, before the eyes of all, Silas Deemer was put into the ground. Some of the eyes were a trifle dim, but in a general way it may be said that at that interment there was lack of neither observance nor observation; Silas was indubitably dead, and none could have pointed out any ritual delinquency that would have justified him in coming back from the grave. Yet if human testimony is good for anything (and certainly it once put an end to witchcraft in and about Salem) he came back.
What this Textopian page supports
A Jug of Syrup is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1867 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: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Dark Comedy, Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Social Commentary
- Length: 3,079 words
- Structure: 1 section, 34 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Jug of Syrup 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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- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The narrative features supernatural elements, including the return of a deceased character, and explores themes of death and the uncanny.
- Dark Comedy — The story employs humor in its treatment of death and societal reactions, blending macabre themes with comedic elements.
- Literary Fiction — The work focuses on character development and thematic depth, exploring societal norms and individual perceptions.
- Fantasy — The presence of a ghostly figure and the blurring of reality and illusion introduce fantastical elements.
Tags
Satire · Dark Humor · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Short Story Collection · Irony · Sarcasm · Critique of Society · Morality Tale · Fable · Allegory