An Apologue by Ambrose Bierce (1879)
"An Apology" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1897. The story follows a man named Smith, who has been accused of murdering his business partner. Smith denies the accusation and provides an explanation for the events that led to the murder. However, as he speaks, it becomes clear that he is not telling the truth and that he is actually the one who committed the crime. The story raises questions about the nature of truth and the reliability of narrators, as well as the consequences of deception and manipulation.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1879 · Genre: Short Stories, Satire, Fiction · 117 words
First lines
A traveler observed one day A loaded fruit-tree by the way.
And reining in his horse exclaimed: "The man is greatly to be blamed Who, careless of good morals, leaves Temptation in the way of thieves.
Now lest some villain pass this way And by this fruit be led astray To bag it, I will kindly pack It snugly in my saddle-sack." He did so; then that Salt o' the Earth Rode on, rejoicing in his worth.
What this Textopian page supports
An Apologue 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: Short Stories, Satire, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Political
- Length: 117 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Apologue 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 An Apologue?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Stories first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- A Smiling Idol by Ambrose Bierce
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Genres
- Short Stories — Ambrose Bierce is known for his short story writing, and 'AN APOLOGUE' is a short story that uses a brief narrative to deliver a moral lesson.
- Satire — Bierce commonly wrote satire, and 'AN APOLOGUE' features a satirical critique of political and social habits.
- Fiction — 'AN APOLOGUE' is a made-up story, falling under the larger genre of fiction.
- Historical Fiction — 'AN APOLOGUE' is set in a historical period, and while it does not strictly adhere to historical facts, it uses the setting to explore philosophical and moral themes.
Tags
gothic fiction · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · suspense · dark humor · irony · satire · social commentary · political satire · historical fiction