Contemplation by Ambrose Bierce
"Contemplation" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1890. The story follows an unnamed narrator who reflects on his own mortality and the fleeting nature of life. As he sits in his armchair, he contemplates the meaninglessness of existence and the inevitability of death. Despite his melancholic musings, the narrator finds solace in the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of life. Through his introspection, Bierce explores themes of existentialism, nihilism, and the human condition.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1894 · Genre: Fiction, Short stories, Horror · 157 words
First lines
I muse upon the distant town In many a dreamy mood.
Above my head the sunbeams crown The graveyard's giant rood.
The lupin blooms among the tombs.
The quail recalls her brood.
What this Textopian page supports
Contemplation is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Short stories, Horror, Satire
- Length: 157 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Art by Ambrose Bierce
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Genres
- Fiction — Ambrose Bierce is primarily known for his works in fiction, characterized by their twist endings and often cynical or dark perspectives.
- Short stories — Bierce often wrote his fiction in the form of short stories, avoiding large-scale narrative structures for more tightly knit pieces.
- Horror — Bierce's work often explores topics and themes considered horrific or unnerving, making use of gothic elements and building tension through suspense.
- Satire — Bierce's writing also frequently employs elements of satire, using irony and exaggeration to critique or lampoon its subject matter.
Tags
horror · gothic · supernatural · mystery · thriller · fiction · short story · literary fiction · classic · american literature · 19th century literature · symbolism