An Inscription by Ambrose Bierce
"An Inscription" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1893. The story follows an unnamed narrator who discovers an inscription on a tombstone in a remote cemetery. The inscription reads, "Here lies one whose name was writ in water." The narrator becomes fixated on the inscription and spends the rest of the story trying to decipher its meaning. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he begins to question the nature of identity and the permanence of human existence. Ultimately, the narrator comes to a haunting realization about the fleeting nature of life and the futility of attempting to leave a lasting legacy.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1895 · Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Short Story · 50 words
First lines
FOR A STATUE OF NAPOLEON, AT WEST POINT.
A famous conqueror, in battle brave, Who robbed the cradle to supply the grave.
His reign laid quantities of human dust: He fell upon the just and the unjust.
What this Textopian page supports
An Inscription is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Short Story, Gothic Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 50 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Inscription 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 Inscription?
- 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
- A Guest by Ambrose Bierce
- Contemplation by Ambrose Bierce
- A Prayer by Ambrose Bierce
- The Night Of Election by Ambrose Bierce
- The Two Cavees by Ambrose Bierce
- A Bulletin by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Horror — Ambrose Bierce's darker themes and macabre style in 'An Inscription' predominantly categorize it as a horror.
- Supernatural — There are supernatural elements present in the storyline.
- Short Story — Due to its brevity and standalone plot, 'An Inscription' can be classified as a short story.
- Gothic Fiction — The atmosphere of terror and mystery in 'An Inscription' are hallmarks of Gothic Fiction.
Tags
gothic · horror · mystery · thriller · supernatural · fiction · short story · literary fiction · classic · american literature · 19th century literature · symbolism