Mendax by Ambrose Bierce (1896)
MENDAX, written by Ambrose Bierce, is a short story that follows the tale of a man named John who discovers that his wife has been unfaithful to him. The story explores themes of betrayal, deception, and the consequences of one's actions. Can I help you with anything else?
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1896 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Historical · 358 words
First lines
High Lord of Liars, Pickering, to thee Let meaner mortals bend the subject knee! Thine is mendacity's imperial crown, Alike by genius, action and renown.
No man, since words could set a cheek aflame E'er lied so greatly with so little shame! O bad old man, must thy remaining years Be passed in leading idiots by their ears -- Thine own (which Justice, if she ruled the roast Would fasten to the penitential post) Still wagging sympathetically -- hung the same rocking-bar that bears thy tongue?
What this Textopian page supports
Mendax is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Historical, Social Commentary, Fiction
- Length: 358 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mendax 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 Mendax?
- 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
- The Writer And The Tramps by Ambrose Bierce
- The Yearly Lie by Ambrose Bierce
- From The Minutes by Ambrose Bierce
- Johndonkey by Ambrose Bierce
- Magnanimity by Ambrose Bierce
- One Moods Expression by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is known for his satirical style, and MENDAX, without a doubt, reflects that. The book contains elements of social criticism and humor as the main indicators of the genre.
- Short Stories — Similar to most of his works, MENDAX consists of short stories, making this format a hallmark of Bierce's style.
- Historical — Many of the plots in MENDAX are set in a particular historical period, introducing readers to certain historical events through a satirical lens.
- Social Commentary — Just like many of his other works, Bierce uses MENDAX to comment on and critique societal norms and behaviors, making it a part of the social commentary genre.
Tags
dark humor · satire · fiction · short stories · gothic · supernatural · irony · parody · absurdity · surrealism · symbolism · allegory