A Vine on a House by Ambrose Bierce
"A Vine on a House" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1891. The story follows an unnamed narrator who visits an old friend's new home, only to find that it is covered in a thick vine. Despite the narrator's initial confusion and unease, he becomes fascinated by the vine and its ability to transform the house into a "living thing." As he explores the house further, he discovers strange and eerie occurrences, leading him to question the nature of reality and the power of the vine. The story is known for its eerie atmosphere and themes of transformation and the uncanny.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1890 · Genre: Horror, Ghost story, Short story · 1,306 words
First lines
ABOUT three miles from the little town of Norton, in Missouri, on the road leading to Maysville, stands an old house that was last occupied by a family named Harding. Since 1886 no one has lived in it, nor is anyone likely to live in it again. Time and the disfavor of persons dwelling thereabout are converting it into a rather picturesque ruin. An observer unacquainted with its history would hardly put it into the category of "haunted houses," yet in all the region round such is its evil reputation. Its windows are without glass, its doorways without doors; there are wide breaches in the shingle roof, and for lack of paint the weatherboarding is a dun gray. But these unfailing signs of the supernatural are partly concealed and greatly softened by the abundant foliage of a large vine overrunning the entire structure. This vine-of a species which no botanist has ever been able to name-has an important part in the story of the house.
What this Textopian page supports
A Vine on a House is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Ghost story, Short story, Fantasy, Gothic
- Length: 1,306 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Vine on a House 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 Vine on a House?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Retrospective Bird by Ambrose Bierce
- The Spirit Of A Sponge by Ambrose Bierce
- To The Bartholdi Statue by Ambrose Bierce
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- An Inhabitant Of Carcosa by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Horror — The book involves macabre themes and supernatural elements, common in horror literature.
- Ghost story — The story involves a haunting, which is a fundamental theme in the Ghost story genre.
- Short story — The narrative is brief and concise, which aligns with the characteristics of a short story.
- Fantasy — Considering the supernatural elements used in the book, it fits into the fantasy genre.
Tags
gothic fiction · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · fantasy · magical realism · surrealism · symbolism · psychological horror · haunting · ghost story