A Smiling Idol by Ambrose Bierce
"A Smiling Idol" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. The story follows a man named John who becomes obsessed with a statue of a smiling idol he finds in an antique shop. Despite the statue's strange appearance and lack of any known history, John becomes convinced that it is a powerful artifact with the ability to bring him good fortune. As he continues to gaze upon the statue, John begins to experience strange visions and hallucinations, leading him to question his own sanity. Ultimately, the story raises questions about the nature of reality and the power of belief, as John's obsession with the statue threatens to consume his life.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1892 · Genre: Short Stories, Satire, Horror · 213 words
First lines
An Idol said to a Missionary, "My friend, why do you seek to bring me into contempt. If it had not been for me, what would you have been?
Remember thy creator that thy days be long in the land."
"I confess," replied the Missionary, fingering a number of ten-cent pieces which a Sunday-school in his own country had forwarded to him,
"that I am a product of you, but I protest that you cannot quote
What this Textopian page supports
A Smiling Idol is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Stories, Satire, Horror, Suspense, War
- Length: 213 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Smiling Idol by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Smiling Idol?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Stories first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Lifted Finger by Ambrose Bierce
- Uncalculating Zeal by Ambrose Bierce
- The Scurril Press by Ambrose Bierce
- One Of The Redeemed by Ambrose Bierce
- To Nanine by Ambrose Bierce
- An Apologue by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Short Stories — Ambrose Bierce is known for his concise and concentrated short stories.
- Satire — Bierce's stories often criticize individuals, social institutions, and human nature in a satirical manner.
- Horror — Bierce's writings often incorporate elements of fear, horror, and the supernatural.
- Suspense — Some of Bierce's narratives utilize suspense to evoke an emotional response from the reader.
Tags
gothic fiction · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · psychological · suspense · dark humor · irony · symbolism · allegory · parody