An Actor by Ambrose Bierce (1890)
"AN ACTOR" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, published in 1899. The story follows the life of an actor named Edgar Allan as he navigates the ups and downs of his career. From his early days on the stage to his later years, Edgar faces numerous challenges, including personal struggles and professional setbacks. Despite these obstacles, he remains dedicated to his craft and continues to pursue his passion for acting. Throughout the story, Bierce explores themes of ambition, perseverance, and the human desire for recognition and success.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1890 · Genre: Short Story, Mystery, Horror · 245 words
First lines
Some one ('tis hardly new) has oddly said The color of a trumpet's blare is red; And Joseph Emmett thinks the crimson shame On woman's cheek a trumpet-note of fame.
The more the red storm rises round her nose -- The more her eyes averted seek her toes, He fancies all the louder he can hear The tube resounding in his spacious ear, And, all his varied talents to exert, Darkens his dullness to display his dirt.
What this Textopian page supports
An Actor 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: Short Story, Mystery, Horror
- Length: 245 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Actor 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 An Actor?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Story first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Short Story — The work “An Actor” by Ambrose Bierce is a brief narrative, signifying a characteristic of the Short Story genre.
- Mystery — The plot of “An Actor” unfolds around an enigmatic situation, typical to the Mystery genre.
- Horror — Bierce's writing style and the themes he explores in “An Actor” are synonymous with the elements of the Horror genre.
Tags
mystery · thriller · detective · fiction · literature · classic · american · gothic · horror · supernatural · psychological · suspense