Elixer Vitae by Ambrose Bierce
"The Elixir of Life" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. The story follows an old man named John who lives alone in a small cottage on the outskirts of a village. One day, while out walking, he comes across a strange old man who offers him an elixir of life that will grant him eternal youth and vitality. John is initially skeptical but eventually decides to try it and is amazed at the results. However, as time passes, John realizes that the elixir has come at a terrible cost: he has lost all sense of purpose and meaning in his life, and is left feeling empty and unfulfilled. In the end, John must confront the consequences of his decision and decide whether the elixir of life is truly worth the price he has paid.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1890 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror · 467 words
First lines
Of life's elixir I had writ, when sleep (Pray Heaven it spared him who the writing read!) Sealed upon my senses with so deep A stupefaction that men thought me dead.
The centuries stole by with noiseless tread, Like spectres in the twilight of my dream; I saw mankind in dim procession sweep Through life, oblivion at each extreme.
What this Textopian page supports
Elixer Vitae is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Adventure
- Length: 467 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Elixer Vitae 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 Elixer Vitae?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — Science fiction themes are prevalent in the story, with an emphasis on futuristic ideas and alchemical processes.
- Fantasy — Elements of fantasy such as alchemical potions and magical realism are integral to the story.
- Horror — The story contains elements of horror, such as mysterious happenings and fear-inducing scenarios.
- Mystery — Mystery is present in terms of the unknown elements associated with the elixir and its effects.
Tags
gothic fiction · supernatural horror · mystery · thriller · fantasy · magical realism · surrealism · symbolism · psychological horror · macabre · dark humor · ghost story