"A Political Apostate" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1890. The story follows the character of John Harkaway, a former politician who has become disillusioned with the corruption and hypocrisy of the political system. After leaving politics, Harkaway becomes a farmer and lives a simple life, but he is constantly haunted by his past mistakes and the knowledge that he could have made a difference if only he had stayed in the political arena. The story explores themes of morality, power, and the corrupting influence of politics.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1891 · Genre: Political, Satire, Historical