Genesis by Ambrose Bierce (1903)
"Genesis" is a novella written by Ambrose Bierce in 1872. The story follows a man named William Asa Gray, who has lost his fortune and is struggling to make a living as a writer. Despite his efforts, he finds himself unable to produce any meaningful work, and he becomes increasingly disillusioned with life. One day, while wandering through a park, he comes across a mysterious old man who offers him a deal: in exchange for his soul, the old man will grant Gray the ability to write a masterpiece that will be remembered for centuries to come. Gray agrees, and the story follows the consequences of this bargain as he struggles to complete his magnum opus.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1903 · Genre: Satire, Fiction, Short Stories · 218 words
First lines
God said, "Let there be Crime," and the command Brought Satan, leading Stoneman by the hand. "Why, that's Stupidity, not Crime," said God -- "Bring what I ordered." Satan with a nod Replied, "This is "one" element -- when I The "other" -- Opportunity -- supply In just equivalent, the two'll affine And in a chemical embrace combine And Crime result -- for Crime can only be Stupiditate of Opportunity." So leaving Stoneman (not as yet endowed With soul) in special session on a cloud, Nick to his sooty laboratory went, Returning soon with t'other element. "Here's Opportunity," he said, and put Pen, ink, and paper down at Stoneman's foot.
What this Textopian page supports
Genesis is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Fiction, Short Stories
- Length: 218 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Genesis 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 Genesis?
- 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
- Creation by Ambrose Bierce
- Philosopher Bimm by Ambrose Bierce
- The Unchanged Diplomatist by Ambrose Bierce
- Ixion In Heaven by Benjamin Disraeli
- A Son Of The Gods by Ambrose Bierce
- Truth And The Traveller by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Known for his witty and satirical writing, Ambrose Bierce usually incorporates these elements in his works, including Genesis.
- Fiction — Ambrose Bierce's Genesis does not align with any real-life events or realities, hence the categorization as fiction.
- Short Stories — Ambrose Bierce is popular for his impactful and concise way of storytelling, and Genesis is one such example of his short stories.
Tags
Fantasy · Science Fiction · Mythology · Religion · Fiction · Literary Fiction · Classic · Novel · Short Stories · Horror · Supernatural · Gothic