Diagnosis by Ambrose Bierce (1889)
DIAGNOSIS by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of mortality and the human condition. The narrator, a doctor, is tasked with diagnosing a patient who is dying, but the patient's symptoms are bizarre and defy explanation. As the doctor struggles to make sense of the situation, he is forced to confront his own mortality and the fragility of life. The story is known for its dark humor and satire, as well as its exploration of the medical profession and the limits of human knowledge. Bierce's writing is concise and direct, with a focus on the clinical and scientific aspects of the narrative. The story has been interpreted as a commentary on the futility of modern medicine and the inevitability of death, as well as a reflection on the human condition and our relationship with mortality. Overall, DIAGNOSIS is a thought-provoking and unsettling tale that challenges readers to confront their own mortality and the mysteries of life and death.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1889 · Genre: Satire, Short Story, Fiction · 115 words
First lines
Cried Allen Forman: "Doctor, pray Compose my spirits' strife: O what may be my chances, say, Of living all my life?
"For lately I have dreamed of high And hempen dissolution! O doctor, doctor, how can I Amend my constitution?"
The learned leech replied: "You're young And beautiful and strong -- Permit me to inspect your tongue: H'm, ah, ahem! -- 'tis long."
What this Textopian page supports
Diagnosis is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Story, Fiction, Horror
- Length: 115 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Diagnosis by Ambrose Bierce
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Diagnosis?
- 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 — Ambrose Bierce is known for his satirical style, so his work 'Diagnosis' may carry similar themes and writing styles.
- Short Story — Bierce is known for his mastery of the short story format, and 'Diagnosis' may follow this trend.
- Fiction — Considering Bierce’s body of work, 'Diagnosis' falls under the broader category of fictional works.
- Horror — Bierce's work is often categorized as horror, considering his focus on macabre and dark elements.
Tags
horror · gothic · supernatural · mystery · thriller · suspense · fiction · literature · classic · american · 19th century · short stories