Azrael by Ambrose Bierce (1875)
"AZRAEL" is a novella written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1873. The story follows the journey of a man named Azrael, who is sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. As he awaits his execution, Azrael reflects on his life and the events that led him to this point. Throughout the novella, Bierce explores themes of justice, morality, and the nature of humanity. Despite the somber subject matter, "AZRAEL" is known for its lyrical prose and thought-provoking insights into the human condition.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1875 · Genre: Supernatural, Religious, Mystery · 352 words
First lines
The moon in the field of the keel-plowed main Was watching the growing tide: A luminous peasant was driving his wain, And he offered my soul a ride.
But I nourished a sorrow uncommonly tall, And I fixed him fast with mine eye. "O, peasant," I sang with a dying fall, "Go leave me to sing and die."
What this Textopian page supports
Azrael is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1875 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: 1875 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Supernatural, Religious, Mystery, Horror, Historical fiction
- Length: 352 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Azrael 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 Azrael?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Supernatural first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Following Pair by Ambrose Bierce
- The Ashes Of Madame Blavatsky by Ambrose Bierce
- Ye Foe To Cathaye by Ambrose Bierce
- For Merit by Ambrose Bierce
- The Shadow On The Dial by Ambrose Bierce
- Mr Sheets by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Supernatural — The book focuses on Azrael, an angel of death in sacred texts, linking the story to the supernatural genre.
- Religious — Azrael is a significant part of religious texts, placing the book in the religious genre.
- Mystery — Bierce's writing style involves suspense and enigmatic elements, fitting within the mystery genre.
- Horror — The theme of death and the supernatural often associates with the horror genre.
Tags
gothic fiction · supernatural horror · occult · mystery · thriller · fantasy · paranormal · horror · suspense · literary fiction · classic literature · american literature