Couplets by Ambrose Bierce (1890)
This collection of poems explores themes of love, loss, and longing through a series of interconnected narratives. The speaker's voice is characterized by its introspection and emotional depth, as they grapple with the complexities of human relationships. The poems are structured around a series of couplets, each one presenting a distinct moment or emotion in the narrative. Through this form, the poet creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into the speaker's inner world. As the collection progresses, the tone shifts from romantic to melancholic, reflecting the speaker's growing awareness of the impermanence of love and relationships. The poems ultimately convey a sense of resignation and acceptance, tempered by a deep appreciation for the beauty and fragility of human connection.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Fiction, Literature · 294 words
First lines
Intended for Inscription on a Sword Presented to Colonel / Cutting of the National Guard of California.
I am for Cutting. I'm a blade / Designed for use at dress parade.
My gleaming length, when I display / Peace rules the land with gentle sway; / But when the war-dogs bare their teeth / Go seek me in the modest sheath.
I am for Cutting. Not for me / The task of setting nations free.
What this Textopian page supports
Couplets is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Literature, American Literature, Anthology
- Length: 294 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Couplets by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
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- Arma Virumque by Ambrose Bierce
- Visions Of Sin by Ambrose Bierce
- Ad Cattonum by Ambrose Bierce
- Poesy by Ambrose Bierce
- From The Minutes by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Poetry — Couplets is a collection of poetry written in pairs of lines. Poetry is a main genre here because the content is primarily composed of metrical verses.
- Fiction — The book is composed of artfully written verses and imaginary scenarios, which qualifies it as fiction.
- Literature — Considering the literary value and enduring relevance of Ambrose Bierce's Couplet, it can be classified as part of the Literature genre.
- American Literature — As a work of a prominent American author, Ambrose Bierce, this book is categorized under American Literature.
Tags
horror · gothic · supernatural · short stories · dark humor · irony · satire · fiction · literary fiction · classic literature · American literature · 19th century literature