A Statesman by Ambrose Bierce (1879)
"A Statesman" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1890. The story follows the life of a man named John Harkaway, who becomes disillusioned with politics and society after witnessing the corruption and greed of those in power. Despite his initial enthusiasm for politics, Harkaway becomes increasingly cynical and isolated as he navigates the treacherous landscape of Washington D.C. politics. Ultimately, he is left questioning the very nature of democracy and the role of individuals within it.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1879 · Genre: Satire, Political Fiction, Thriller · 71 words
First lines
A Statesman who attended a meeting of a Chamber of Commerce rose to speak, but was objected to on the ground that he had nothing to do with commerce.
"Mr. Chairman," said an Aged Member, rising, "I conceive that the objection is not well taken; the gentleman's connection with commerce is close and intimate. He is a Commodity."
What this Textopian page supports
A Statesman is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1879 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: 1879 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Political Fiction, Thriller, Historical Fiction
- Length: 71 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Statesman 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 Statesman?
- 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
- One President by Ambrose Bierce
- Two Politicians by Ambrose Bierce
- The Politicians And The Plunder by Ambrose Bierce
- The Conscientious Official by Ambrose Bierce
- A Political Violet by Ambrose Bierce
- The City Of Political Distinction by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is known for his biting satire and wit, and given the political connotations of the title, it is likely this work also employs those elements.
- Political Fiction — The title 'A Statesman' implies a focus on politics and politicians, making this a work of political fiction.
- Thriller — Bierce's works often involve suspense and unexpected twists, so this book may also reflect those thriller aspects.
- Historical Fiction — Ambrose Bierce's works are often set in the past, and given the connotations of the title, it could be set in a particular historical period, making it historical fiction.
Tags
politics · government · leadership · power · corruption · ambition · betrayal · revolution · history · fiction · short story · classic literature