J.F.B by Ambrose Bierce (1899)
J.F.B by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that follows the journey of a man named John F. Blunkett. Blunkett is a wealthy businessman who has made his fortune through questionable means, including exploiting workers and engaging in unethical practices. Despite his wealth and success, Blunkett feels empty and unfulfilled, and he sets out on a journey to find meaning and purpose in his life. Along the way, Blunkett encounters various individuals who challenge him to confront his own morality and values. He meets a young woman named Lily, who teaches him about compassion and empathy, and he also encounters a group of workers who are struggling to make ends meet. Through these interactions, Blunkett begins to see the world in a different light and realizes that his wealth and success have not brought him the happiness he thought they would. Ultimately, Blunkett comes to understand that true fulfillment and meaning come from helping others and making a positive impact on the world. He renounces his wealth and begins to live a simpler, more authentic life, one that is guided by empathy and compassion.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Historical Fiction · 168 words
First lines
How well this man unfolded to our view The world's beliefs of Death and Heaven and Hell -- This man whose own convictions none could tell, Nor if his maze of reason had a clew.
Dogmas he wrote for daily bread, but knew The fair philosophies of doubt so well That while we listened to his words there fell Some that were strangely comforting, though true.
Marking how wise we grew upon his doubt, We said: "If so, by groping in the night, He can proclaim some certain paths of trust, How great our profit if he saw about His feet the highways leading to the light." Now he sees all. Ah, Christ! his mouth is dust!
What this Textopian page supports
J.F.B is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Satire
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for J.F.B 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 J.F.B?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- Sires And Sons by Ambrose Bierce
- Charles And Peter by Ambrose Bierce
- The Mourning Brothers by Ambrose Bierce
- Alarm And Pride by Ambrose Bierce
- In High Life by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fiction — The book is a fictitious account, revolving around the life of an individual.
- Mystery — The book has elements of intrigue and suspense.
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in a historical backdrop providing a fictionalized account of past events.
- Satire — The book uses sarcasm and ironical elements, typical of Bierce's writing style.
Tags
gothic fiction · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · suspense · psychological · literary fiction · american literature · 19th century literature · short stories · victorian era