Ad Cattonum by Ambrose Bierce (1879)
"AD CATTONUM" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1899. The story follows a man named John H. Money, who has lost his fortune and is struggling to make ends meet. In an attempt to turn his fortunes around, he purchases a lottery ticket with the hopes of winning the grand prize. However, when he does not win, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of obtaining wealth and power, even if it means resorting to illegal means. As Money's obsession grows, he begins to lose touch with reality and his relationships with those around him begin to suffer. Ultimately, Money's descent into madness is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of maintaining one's moral compass in the face of adversity.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1879 · Genre: Satire, Fiction, Literary Fiction · 435 words
First lines
I know not, Mr. Catton, who you are, Nor very clearly why; but you go far To show that you are many things beside A Chilean Consul with a tempting hide; But what they are I hardly could explain Without afflicting you with mental pain.
Your name (gods! what a name the muse to woo -- Suggesting cats, and hinting kittens, too!) Points to an origin -- perhaps Maltese, Perhaps Angoran -- where the wicked cease From fiddling, and the animals that grow The strings that groan to the tormenting bow Live undespoiled of their insides, resigned To give their name and nature to mankind.
What this Textopian page supports
Ad Cattonum is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1879 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 435 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ad Cattonum 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 Ad Cattonum?
- 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
- The Van Nessiad by Ambrose Bierce
- The Mackaiad by Ambrose Bierce
- Poesy by Ambrose Bierce
- From The Minutes by Ambrose Bierce
- In High Life by Ambrose Bierce
- Subterranean Phantasies by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is famous for his satirical writing style. 'AD CATTONUM' showcases this through its satirical depiction and commentary on society.
- Fiction — The story, while influenced by Bierce's observations, is a work of fiction, featuring characters and events that are not real.
- Literary Fiction — 'AD CATTONUM' focuses more on the inner development and perceptions of the main character, common traits in literary fiction.
Tags
gothic fiction · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · fantasy · magical realism · dark humor · satire · social commentary · political intrigue · psychological horror