Lusus Politicus by Ambrose Bierce
LUSUS POLITICUS by Ambrose Bierce is a satirical novel that explores the absurdity of politics and power. The story follows a group of politicians who are obsessed with gaining control over a fictional island nation called "Lusus." Through their machinations, they create a society where the people are oppressed and the government is mired in corruption. The novel is known for its biting social commentary and its use of absurdity to highlight the flaws in political systems. Bierce's writing is clever and satirical, using humor and irony to critique the excesses of power and the ways in which it can distort reality. Overall, LUSUS POLITICUS is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that offers a scathing critique of politics and power.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1872 · Genre: Political Satire, Comedy, Historical Fiction · 578 words
First lines
Come in, old gentleman. How do you do? Delighted, I'm sure, that you've called.
I'm a sociable sort of a chap and you Are a pleasant-appearing person, too, With a head agreeably bald.
What this Textopian page supports
Lusus Politicus is listed on Textopian as an essay by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1872 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1872 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Satire, Comedy, Historical Fiction, Non-Fiction
- Length: 578 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lusus Politicus 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 Lusus Politicus?
- How does this essay by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Committee On Public Morals by Ambrose Bierce
- The Statesman And The Horse by Ambrose Bierce
- The City Of Political Distinction by Ambrose Bierce
- A Political Apostate by Ambrose Bierce
- The Moral Sentiment by Ambrose Bierce
- The Statesmen by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Political Satire — Considering Ambrose Bierce's notorious reputation as a satirist of politics and society, and the Latinized title 'Lusus Politicus' (or 'Political Game'), this book is likely to be a depiction of politics in a humorous, satirical light.
- Comedy — The satirical elements in the book align it with the Comedy genre. Bierce's irony and wit often invoke humor to emphasize societal changes and behaviors, indicating comedic elements in the narrative.
- Historical Fiction — Given that Ambrose Bierce writes from his experiences and reflections on his era, elements of historical fiction may be present in the book. Though fictionalized, the political themes of the book may be grounded in historical events.
- Non-Fiction — Bierce's writing often critiqued and reflected upon his contemporary society. His insights into politics might be based on real-life people or events, therefore aligning elements of the book with Non-Fiction.
Tags
political satire · fiction · short stories · irony · sarcasm · social commentary · critique of politics · government corruption · power dynamics · human nature · psychology · moral ambiguity