Judgment by Ambrose Bierce (1876)
"Judgment" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1890. The story follows a man named John March, who has been hired to hang a man named Tom Hoggarth. As March prepares to carry out the execution, he begins to question whether he is truly doing the right thing. The story explores themes of morality, justice, and the nature of humanity.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1876 · Genre: Satire, Short Story, Social Critique · 85 words
First lines
I drew aside the Future's veil And saw upon his bier The poet Whitman. Loud the wail And damp the falling tear.
"He's dead -- he is no more!" one cried, With sobs of sorrow crammed; "No more? He's this much more," replied Another: "he is damned!"
1885.
What this Textopian page supports
Judgment is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1876 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: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Story, Social Critique
- Length: 85 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Judgment by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Judgment?
- 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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- The Various Delegation by Ambrose Bierce
- The Gates Ajar by Ambrose Bierce
- In Contumaciam by Ambrose Bierce
- Diagnosis by Ambrose Bierce
- The Division Superintendent by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce was known for his sharp wit and biting satire. 'Judgment' is a reflection of this, examining the hypocrisies and follies of mankind.
- Short Story — Bierce was famed for his short, concise stories that often delivered a powerful message. 'Judgment' falls under this category.
- Social Critique — Like much of Bierce's work, 'Judgment' provides commentary and critique on social norms and institutions, adding to its categorization under social critique.
Tags
horror · gothic · supernatural · mystery · thriller · fiction · literature · classic · american · short-story · symbolism · psychological