In High Life by Ambrose Bierce
IN HIGH LIFE is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1891. The narrative follows the life of a man named John, who has achieved great success and wealth through his business ventures. However, despite his outward appearance of happiness and fulfillment, John feels unfulfilled and empty inside. He begins to question the meaning of his life and the purpose of his existence. As John navigates his high life, he encounters various characters who challenge his beliefs and values. Through these interactions, he comes to realize that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found in material wealth alone. Instead, it is through the connections and relationships we form with others that we truly find meaning and purpose in life. IN HIGH LIFE is a thought-provoking tale that explores themes of success, happiness, and the human condition. Through John's journey, Bierce raises questions about the nature of existence and the pursuit of fulfillment, leaving readers to ponder their own lives and values.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1891 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Humor · 253 words
First lines
Sir Impycu Lackland, from over the sea, Has led to the altar Miss Bloatie Bondee.
The wedding took place at the Church of St. Blare; The fashion, the rank and the wealth were all there -- No person was absent of all whom one meets.
Lord Mammon himself bowed them into their seats, While good Sir John Satan attended the door And Sexton Beelzebub managed the floor, Respectfully keeping each dog to its rug, Preserving the peace between poodle and pug.
Twelve bridesmaids escorted the bride up the aisle To blush in her blush and to smile in her smile; Twelve groomsmen supported the eminent groom To scowl in his scowl and to gloom in his gloom.
What this Textopian page supports
In High Life is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Humor, Horror, Historical Fiction
- Length: 253 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In High Life by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering In High Life?
- 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
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- Wasted Sweets by Ambrose Bierce
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Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is known for his satirical style and pithy wit, presenting a scathing critique of 19th-century society through the stories in 'IN HIGH LIFE'.
- Short Stories — This collection consists of a multitude of varied short stories.
- Humor — The bemusing verbosity and wit present in the stories categorize the book as a form of comic literature.
- Horror — Some of the stories delve into gothic, macabre, or unsettling territories characteristic of Bierce's affinity for the uncanny.
Tags
dark humor · satire · social commentary · gothic fiction · supernatural elements · mystery · thriller · psychological horror · 19th century literature · American literature · short stories · victorian era