An Epitaph by Ambrose Bierce (1890)
The Epitaph by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of death and mourning. The narrator describes the epitaph on a grave, which reads: "Here lies one whose name was writ in water." The story raises questions about the permanence of human existence and the futility of trying to leave a lasting legacy. What do you think of this story?
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1890 · Genre: Satire, Short Story, Dark Humor · 110 words
First lines
Hangman's hands laid in this tomb an Imp of Satan's getting, whom an Ancient legend says that woman Never bore -- he owed his birth To Sin herself. From Hell to Earth She brought the brat in secret state And laid him at the Golden gate, And they named him Henry Vrooman.
While with mortals here he stayed, His father frequently he played.
Raised his birth-place and in other Playful ways begot his mother.
What this Textopian page supports
An Epitaph is listed on Textopian as an essay 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: Essay
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Story, Dark Humor, American Gothic Fiction
- Length: 110 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Epitaph 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 An Epitaph?
- How does this essay by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Constancy by Ambrose Bierce
- An Obituarian by Ambrose Bierce
- Posteritys Award by Ambrose Bierce
- Ad Moodium by Ambrose Bierce
- A Needless Labour by Ambrose Bierce
- The Division Superintendent by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce's 'An Epitaph' is primarily a work of satire, using humor to critique and ridicule certain aspects of society.
- Short Story — 'An Epitaph' is also considered a short story due to its brief and concise narrative.
- Dark Humor — The book features dark humor as a form of satire that illustrates the author's cynical perspective towards life's absurdities.
- American Gothic Fiction — Bierce's writing in 'An Epitaph' can be categorized as American Gothic due to its probing into the dark side of the human experience and the suffering of the human condition
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · death · grief · mourning · tragedy · irony · symbolism · literary · classic · american