Fortune and the Fabulist
Fortune and the Fabulist by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of fate, luck, and the power of storytelling. The narrator, a fabulist, is tasked with spinning tales to entertain a group of travelers on a train. As he weaves his stories, he becomes increasingly absorbed in the world of fantasy, losing touch with reality. The story is notable for its use of irony and symbolism, as the fabulist's descent into madness is mirrored by the changing fortunes of the characters in his tales. The author's mastery of language and narrative structure creates a sense of unease and tension that builds to a dramatic climax. Overall, Fortune and the Fabulist is a thought-provoking and entertaining tale that showcases Bierce's skill as a writer and storyteller.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Fantasy · 213 words
First lines
A Writer of Fables was passing through a lonely forest when he met a
Fortune. Greatly alarmed, he tried to climb a tree, but the Fortune pulled him down and bestowed itself upon him with cruel persistence.
"Why did you try to run away?" said the Fortune, when his struggles had ceased and his screams were stilled. "Why do you glare at me so inhospitably?"
"I don't know what you are," replied the Writer of Fables, deeply disturbed.
What this Textopian page supports
Fortune and the Fabulist 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: Satire, Short Stories, Fantasy, Horror, Speculative Fiction
- Length: 213 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Fortune and the Fabulist 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 Fortune and the Fabulist?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Tidings Of Good by Ambrose Bierce
- An Unfinished Race by Ambrose Bierce
- In High Life by Ambrose Bierce
- The Scurril Press by Ambrose Bierce
- To Nanine by Ambrose Bierce
- Six And One by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Bierce is well-known for his biting satire, and 'Fortune and the Fabulist' is no exception. The narrative is filled with humor and irony, that criticizes human follies and vices.
- Short Stories — The book is a collection of brief narratives, a characteristic trait of the 'Short Stories' genre.
- Fantasy — The narrative often dips into the realms of the fantastical and unreal, thus aligning with elements typical to the 'Fantasy' genre.
- Horror — Bierce is also known for his affinity towards horror elements. Instances of supernatural occurrences and inexplicable events contribute to the 'Horror' genre.
Tags
gothic fiction · supernatural horror · mystery · thriller · fantasy · magical realism · satire · dark humor · literary fiction · american literature · 19th century literature · short stories