Arma Virumque by Ambrose Bierce
ARMA VIRUMQUE is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. The story follows the journey of a man who has been hired to kill a specific tree in a forest. However, upon arriving at the location, he realizes that the tree he was supposed to kill is not the one he was looking for, and he must now decide whether to follow his instructions or to disobey them and spare the life of the wrong tree. Would you like me to provide more information about this story?
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1869 · Genre: Fiction, Historical, War · 102 words
First lines
"Ours is a Christian Army"; so he said A regiment of bangomen who led. "And ours a Christian Navy," added he Who sailed a thunder-junk upon the sea.
Better they know than men unwarlike do What is an army and a navy, too.
Pray God there may be sent them by-and-by The knowledge what a Christian is, and why.
For somewhat lamely the conception runs Of a brass-buttoned Jesus firing guns.
What this Textopian page supports
Arma Virumque is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1869 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Historical, War
- Length: 102 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Arma Virumque 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 Arma Virumque?
- How does this poem by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Peaceable Expulsion by Ambrose Bierce
- My Monument by Ambrose Bierce
- A Man by Ambrose Bierce
- An Explanation by Ambrose Bierce
- A Revivalist Revived by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fiction — Based on the author's previously written works, it is likely that this book is a fictional piece.
- Historical — Given the title's potential reference to the Aeneid and historical concepts, it suggests the book could have historical elements.
- War — Considering 'ARMA VIRUMQUE' is a phrase from the Aeneid dealing with conflict and war, the book may fall under the war genre.
Tags
classic · literature · short stories · gothic · horror · supernatural · fiction · american literature · 19th century literature · symbolism · allegory · mythology