An Optimist by Ambrose Bierce (1897)
"An Optimist" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. The story follows the character of John H. Money, a man who has always been an optimist and believes that everything will turn out for the best. However, as he faces various challenges and setbacks throughout his life, Money's optimism is tested and ultimately proven to be misguided. Despite this, Money remains steadfast in his beliefs, even when faced with evidence to the contrary. The story explores themes of optimism, pessimism, and the nature of reality.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1897 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Literary Fiction · 93 words
First lines
Two Frogs in the belly of a snake were considering their altered circumstances.
"This is pretty hard luck," said one.
"Don't jump to conclusions," the other said; "we are out of the wet and provided with board and lodging."
"With lodging, certainly," said the First Frog; "but I don't see the board."
What this Textopian page supports
An Optimist is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1897 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Literary Fiction
- Length: 93 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Optimist 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 Optimist?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Optimist And The Cynic by Ambrose Bierce
- A Baby Tramp by Ambrose Bierce
- Arbor Day by Ambrose Bierce
- A Word To The Unwise by Ambrose Bierce
- The Shafter Shafted by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is known for his satirical writing style, and 'An Optimist' presents a cynical outlook using humor and irony.
- Short Stories — The book is a collection of several separate short stories, each presenting an individual's optimistic outlook.
- Literary Fiction — Given that Bierce's work tends to focus on human nature and societal issues, it fits under the umbrella of literary fiction.
Tags
humor · satire · irony · cynicism · pessimism · optimism · philosophy · psychology · self-help · motivation · inspiration · fiction