A Morning Fancy by Ambrose Bierce
"A Morning Fancy" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1899. The story follows a man who, after waking up early one morning, becomes obsessed with the idea that he has lost his soul overnight. Despite his efforts to find it, he is unable to locate it and must come to terms with the possibility that it may be gone forever. Through this exploration of the human psyche, Bierce delves into themes of identity, morality, and the fragility of the human mind.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1878 · Genre: Fiction, Satire, Short Stories · 510 words
First lines
I drifted (or I seemed to) in a boat Upon the surface of a shoreless sea Whereon no ship nor anything did float, Save only the frail bark supporting me; And that -- it was so shadowy -- seemed to be Almost from out the very vapors wrought Of the great ocean underneath its keel; And all that blue profound appeared as naught But thicker sky, translucent to reveal, Miles down, whatever through its spaces glided, Or at the bottom traveled or abided.
What this Textopian page supports
A Morning Fancy is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1878 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: 1878 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Satire, Short Stories, Dark Humor, Historical Fiction
- Length: 510 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- One Of The Saints by Ambrose Bierce
- The Retrospective Bird by Ambrose Bierce
- In High Life by Ambrose Bierce
- One Of The Redeemed by Ambrose Bierce
- A Rear Elevation by Ambrose Bierce
- Tidings Of Good by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fiction — Ambrose Bierce's works are largely fiction, with imaginative narratives and character interactions.
- Satire — Bierce is known for his satirical style, wit, and criticism, both of which are present in the book.
- Short Stories — The book is a collection of Bierce's short stories, each with a self-contained plot and characters.
- Dark Humor — Bierce's writing often carries elements of dark humor, finding comedy in grim or ironic situations.
Tags
gothic fiction · supernatural horror · mystery · thriller · psychological horror · literary fiction · American literature · Victorian era · ghost story · haunting · suspense · paranormal