For Merit by Ambrose Bierce (1877)
Book FOR MERIT is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1899. The story follows the character of John H. Merrick, who has been wrongfully accused of a crime and sentenced to death. Despite his innocence, Merrick is executed, leaving behind a will that outlines how he wishes to be remembered after his death. The story explores themes of justice, morality, and the human condition through Merrick's experiences.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1877 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Historical Fiction · 103 words
First lines
To Parmentier Parisians raise A statue fine and large: He cooked potatoes fifty ways, Nor ever led a charge.
"Palmam qui meruit" -- the rest You knew as well as I; And best of all to him that best Of sayings will apply.
Let meaner men the poet's bays Or warrior's medal wear; Who cooks potatoes fifty ways Shall bear the palm -- de terre.
What this Textopian page supports
For Merit is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1877 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: 1877 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Historical Fiction
- Length: 103 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for For Merit 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 For Merit?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Alarm And Pride by Ambrose Bierce
- Charles And Peter by Ambrose Bierce
- The Following Pair by Ambrose Bierce
- Uncoloneled by Ambrose Bierce
- Johndonkey by Ambrose Bierce
- Magnanimity by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce's 'FOR MERIT' is a satirical piece, a defining characteristic of the author's writing style.
- Short Stories — This book is a collection of short stories, which is a genre that Bierce is well-known for.
- Historical Fiction — Ambrose Bierce draws on his experiences as a civil war soldier, providing a fictional but realistic portrayal of the period.
Tags
gothic fiction · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · suspense · fantasy · magic realism · literary fiction · american literature · classic · 19th century literature