A Needless Labour by Ambrose Bierce
"A Needless Labour" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1891. The story follows a man named John who has spent his entire life working on a farm owned by a wealthy landowner. Despite his hard work and dedication, John is paid very little and is treated poorly by his employer. One day, John decides that he has had enough of this treatment and sets out to find a new job. However, his search proves to be futile as no one is willing to hire him due to his lack of education and experience. As the story progresses, John becomes increasingly desperate and isolated, leading to a tragic conclusion. Throughout the story, Bierce explores themes of poverty, inequality, and the struggles of working-class individuals in the late 19th century.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1893 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Literary Fiction · 111 words
First lines
After waiting many a weary day to revenge himself upon a Lion for some unconsidered manifestation of contempt, a Skunk finally saw him coming, and posting himself in the path ahead uttered the inaudible discord of his race. Observing that the Lion gave no attention to the matter, the
Skunk, keeping carefully out of reach, said:
"Sir, I beg leave to point out that I have set on foot an implacable odour."
"My dear fellow," the Lion replied, "you have taken a needless trouble; I already knew that you were a Skunk."
What this Textopian page supports
A Needless Labour is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1893 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 111 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Needless Labour 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 Needless Labour?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Forfeited Right by Ambrose Bierce
- Disavowal by Ambrose Bierce
- In Contumaciam by Ambrose Bierce
- Diagnosis by Ambrose Bierce
- Contentment by Ambrose Bierce
- A Controversialist by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce's 'A Needless Labour' employs his trademark biting wit and critique of societal standards, earning it a primary classification of satire.
- Short Stories — Ambrose Bierce was known for his short stories, and 'A Needless Labour' fits this convention with its brevity and completeness in a single, standalone narrative.
- Literary Fiction — Despite its satirical posture, 'A Needless Labour' still delves into serious themes and thoughtful character development which justifies its classification as literary fiction.
- Historical Fiction — Though not explicitly historical, Ambrose Bierce's 'A Needless Labour', as with much of his work, reflects the world of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, giving the text elements of historical fiction.
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · suspense · fiction · literary · classic · american · 19th century · short story