A Rear Elevation by Ambrose Bierce
"A Rear Elevation" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. The story follows an unnamed narrator who visits an old mansion that he has been hired to renovate. As he explores the house, he becomes increasingly uneasy and senses a malevolent presence lurking within its walls. Despite his initial skepticism, the narrator begins to experience strange occurrences and is eventually convinced of the mansion's supernatural nature. The story builds tension through its use of foreshadowing, imagery, and an unsettling atmosphere, ultimately leaving the reader with a sense of unease and uncertainty.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1894 · Genre: Satire, Short Story, Fiction · 270 words
First lines
[He can speak with his eyes, his hands, arms, legs, body -- nay, with his very bones, for he turned the broad of his back upon us in "Conrad," the other night, and his shoulder-blades spoke to us a volume of hesitation, fear, submission, desperation -- everything which could haunt a man at the moment of inevitable detection. -- "A "Dramatic Critic."]
Once Moses (in Scripture the story is told) Entreated the favor God's face to behold.
Compassion divine the petition denied Lest vision be blasted and body be fried.
Yet this much, the Record informs us, took place: Jehovah, concealing His terrible face, Protruded His rear from behind a great rock, And edification ensued without shock.
What this Textopian page supports
A Rear Elevation is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Story, Fiction
- Length: 270 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Rear Elevation by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Rear Elevation?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Satire — Much of Ambrose Bierce's work, including 'A Rear Elevation', satirizes society and human behavior with intent to create social commentary through humour, ridicule, and exaggeration.
- Short Story — 'A Rear Elevation' is a brief work of fiction classified as a short story due to its brief nature and the fact that it is part of a collection of other short stories.
- Fiction — As 'A Rear Elevation' is a product of author's imagination it is categorized under Fiction.
Tags
gothic fiction · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · suspense · fantasy · paranormal · magical realism · surrealism · symbolism · psychological horror