Constancy by Ambrose Bierce (1899)
CONSTANCY, by Ambrose Bierce, is a short story that explores the themes of consistency and stability in life. The narrator reflects on the nature of human existence, observing how people often strive for consistency in their actions and beliefs, but ultimately find themselves caught up in the whims of fate. Through the use of irony and satire, Bierce highlights the futility of trying to control life's unpredictable events. The story is a thought-provoking meditation on the human condition, inviting readers to ponder their own notions of consistency and stability in the face of an uncertain world.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Drama · 272 words
First lines
Dull were the days and sober, The mountains were brown and bare, For the season was sad October And a dirge was in the air.
The mated starlings flew over To the isles of the southern sea.
She wept for her warrior lover -- Wept and exclaimed: "Ah, me!
"Long years have I mourned my darling In his battle-bed at rest; And it's O, to be a starling, With a mate to share my nest!"
What this Textopian page supports
Constancy is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Drama, Classics
- Length: 272 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Constancy 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 Constancy?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Satire — Bierce is known for his satirical works such as The Devil's Dictionary. 'Constancy' shares this facet of his writing style, which is often critical and incisive.
- Short Stories — Ambrose Bierce was renowned for his compact and efficient prose, typically reflected in his short stories. 'Constancy' showcases this aspect of his writing.
- Drama — The plot development and character interactions in 'Constancy' share elements common to the Drama genre.
- Classics — 'Constancy' by Ambrose Bierce is considered a piece of classic literature due to its age and influential author.
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · fiction · literary · classic · american · 19th century · short stories · dark