A Lady from Redhorse
The story revolves around a woman who lives in the American West and has been abandoned by her husband. She seeks revenge against him for his infidelity and abandonment. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and retribution.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1866 · Genre: Romance, Literary Fiction, Comedy · 2,964 words
First lines
Coronado, June 20. I find myself more and more interested in him. It is not, I am sure, his -- do you know any good noun corresponding to the adjective "handsome"? One does not like to say "beauty" when speaking of a man. He is beautiful enough, Heaven knows; I should not even care to trust you with him -- faithfulest of all possible wives that you are -- when he looks his best, as he always does. Nor do I think the fascination of his manner has much to do with it. You recollect that the charm of art inheres in that which is undefinable, and to you and me, my dear Irene, I fancy there is rather less of that in the branch of art under consideration than to girls in their first season. I fancy I know how my fine gentleman produces many of his effects and could perhaps give him a pointer on heightening them. Nevertheless, his manner is something truly delightful. I suppose what interests me chiefly is the man's brains. His conversation is the best I have ever heard and altogether unlike anyone else's. He seems to know everything, as indeed he ought, for he has been everywhere, read everything, seen all there is to see -- sometimes I think rather more than is good for him -- and had acquaintance with the queerest people. And then his voice -- Irene, when I hear it I actually feel as if I ought to have paid at the door, though of course it is my own door.
What this Textopian page supports
A Lady from Redhorse is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1866 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: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Literary Fiction, Comedy, Epistolary, Social Commentary
- Length: 2,964 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Lady from Redhorse 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 Lady from Redhorse?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The central plot revolves around romantic feelings and relationships, particularly the protagonist's infatuation and emotional turmoil regarding a man.
- Literary Fiction — The work features introspective character development and explores complex themes of identity, social status, and personal growth.
- Comedy — The narrative includes humorous elements and witty dialogue, particularly in the protagonist's self-deprecating observations and interactions.
- Epistolary — The story is presented through letters, which is a key structural element that shapes the narrative and character insights.
Tags
Western Fiction · Short Story · American Literature · 19th Century · Feminist Themes · Social Commentary · Satire · Humor · Irony · Symbolism · Morality Tale · Coming of Age