An Obituarian by Ambrose Bierce
"The Obituarion" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1890. The story follows an unnamed narrator who visits an obituary writer to inquire about the fate of his recently deceased friend. The obituarist reveals that the friend's death was not reported in the newspaper, as it was not considered newsworthy. The narrator is shocked and dismayed by this revelation, as he had assumed that every death would be recorded and remembered. The story raises questions about the nature of obituaries and the way we remember and honor the dead.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1891 · Genre: Satire, Short Story, Dark Comedy · 297 words
First lines
Death-poet Pickering sat at his desk, Wrapped in appropriate gloom; His posture was pensive and picturesque, Like a raven charming a tomb.
Enter a party a-drinking the cup Of sorrow -- and likewise of woe: "Some harrowing poetry, Mister, whack up, All wrote in the key of O.
"For the angels has called my old woman hence From the strife (where she fit mighty free).
It's a nickel a line? Cond -- n the expense! For wealth is now little to me."
What this Textopian page supports
An Obituarian is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Story, Dark Comedy, Cultural Critique
- Length: 297 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Obituarian 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 Obituarian?
- 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
- Yorick by Ambrose Bierce
- A Forfeited Right by Ambrose Bierce
- An Epitaph by Ambrose Bierce
- Disavowal by Ambrose Bierce
- Contentment by Ambrose Bierce
- A Needless Labour by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Bierce's 'An Obituarian' is a satirical piece that uses humor and exaggeration to critique conventions around death and obituaries.
- Short Story — The work falls into the genre of short stories by virtue of its brief and concentrated narrative.
- Dark Comedy — Bierce uses comedic elements intertwined with dark themes commonly associated with death.
- Cultural Critique — Bierce critiques social and cultural norms related to death and obituary traditions.
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · death · grief · mourning · obituary · literature · classic · american · 19th century · short story