Dame Fortune and the Traveller
Dame Fortune and the Traveller by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of fate, chance, and the human condition. The narrator, a traveler, meets a mysterious woman named Dame Fortune who offers to guide him through a series of strange and unsettling events. As they journey together, the traveler begins to question the nature of reality and the role of fortune in shaping their lives. The story is known for its eerie atmosphere and use of symbolism, as well as its exploration of the human psyche and the search for meaning in a seemingly chaotic world. Bierce's writing style is concise and direct, creating a sense of tension and unease that lingers long after the story has ended. In summary, Dame Fortune and the Traveller is a thought-provoking and unsettling tale that delves into the mysteries of fate and chance, and the human experience of searching for meaning in a complex and often inexplicable world.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Short Story, Fantasy, Adventure · 81 words
First lines
A Weary Traveller who had lain down and fallen asleep on the brink of a deep well was discovered by Dame Fortune.
"If this fool," she said, "should have an uneasy dream and roll into the well men would say that I did it. It is painful to me to be unjustly accused, and I shall see that I am not."
So saying she rolled the man into the well.
What this Textopian page supports
Dame Fortune and the Traveller is listed on Textopian as a fable 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: Fable
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Fantasy, Adventure, Satire
- Length: 81 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dame Fortune and the Traveller 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 Dame Fortune and the Traveller?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Story first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Piping Fisherman by Ambrose Bierce
- One Of The Saints by Ambrose Bierce
- The Death Of Halpin Frayser by Ambrose Bierce
- Fortune And The Fabulist by Ambrose Bierce
- Master Of Three Arts by Ambrose Bierce
- The Goose And The Swan by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Short Story — Given that Ambrose Bierce was known for his brevity in prose and the title's brevity, this work is likely a short story.
- Fantasy — The title suggests an exploration of fortune and destiny, common themes in fantasy.
- Adventure — The presence of 'Traveller' in the title implies a journey or quest, common in adventure literature.
- Satire — Bierce was known for his sharp and dark satire. Although not explicit in the title, it can be a probable genre.
Tags
gothic fiction · supernatural horror · mystery · thriller · travel literature · adventure · fantasy · magical realism · satire · dark humor · irony · symbolism