Mr. Sheets by Ambrose Bierce (1879)
The novel "MR. SHEETS" by Ambrose Bierce is a satirical tale that follows the misadventures of its titular character, a man who becomes obsessed with his own death and the funeral industry. As Mr. Sheets navigates various social circles and business ventures, he becomes increasingly detached from reality and descends into madness. The story is known for its dark humor and biting social commentary, exploring themes of mortality, consumerism, and the absurdity of modern life.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1879 · Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Mystery · 181 words
First lines
The Devil stood before the gate Of Heaven. He had a single mate: Behind him, in his shadow, slunk Clay Sheets in a perspiring funk. "Saint Peter, see this season ticket," Said Satan; "pray undo the wicket." The sleepy Saint threw slight regard Upon the proffered bit of card, Signed by some clerical dead-beats: "Admit the bearer and Clay Sheets." Peter expanded all his eyes: "Clay Sheets?' -- well, I'll be damned!" he cries. "Our couches are of golden cloud; Nothing of earth is here allowed.
I'll let you in," he added, shedding On Nick a smile -- "but not your bedding."
What this Textopian page supports
Mr. Sheets is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1879 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: 1879 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Mystery, Thriller, Gothic
- Length: 181 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mr. Sheets 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 Mr. Sheets?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Ship And A Man by Ambrose Bierce
- Reminded by Ambrose Bierce
- Vice Versa by Ambrose Bierce
- An Invocation by Ambrose Bierce
- A Call To Quit by Ambrose Bierce
- A Bulletin by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Horror — This is a horror story focused on the supernatural.
- Supernatural — The novel contains elements of ghosts and spirits.
- Mystery — The book deals with a mystery surrounding Mr. Sheets.
- Thriller — The atmosphere of suspense and excitement throughout the book fits the thriller genre.
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · fiction · short story · american literature · classic · literary fiction · psychological horror · suspense