My Monument by Ambrose Bierce (1899)
MY MONUMENT is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1890. The story follows the narrator's journey to a mysterious monument that he believes will reveal the secrets of life and death. However, upon reaching the monument, the narrator realizes that it is not a physical structure but rather a metaphorical one, representing the inner workings of the human mind. The story explores themes of mortality, the afterlife, and the search for meaning in life.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Biography, Historical Fiction · 126 words
First lines
It is pleasant to think, as I'm watching my ink A-drying along my paper, That a monument fine will surely be mine When death has extinguished my taper.
From each rhyming scribe of the journalist tribe Purged clean of all sentiments narrow, A pebble will mark his respect for the stark Stiff body that's under the barrow.
By fellow-bards thrown, thus stone upon stone Will make my celebrity deathless.
O, I wish I could think, as I gaze at my ink, They'd wait till my carcass is breathless.
What this Textopian page supports
My Monument 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: Literary Fiction, Biography, Historical Fiction, Philosophy, Satire
- Length: 126 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for My Monument 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 My Monument?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Revivalist Revived by Ambrose Bierce
- A Man by Ambrose Bierce
- The Night Of Election by Ambrose Bierce
- A Guest by Ambrose Bierce
- Two Kings by Ambrose Bierce
- An Exile by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book is a reflection of the author's personal beliefs and experiences, characterized by introspective dialogue and includes deep human truths.
- Biography — As a semi-autobiographical work, the book provides insights into the life and thoughts of the author.
- Historical Fiction — The book's plot and characters are set in a specific historical period, and it takes into account major historical events of the time.
- Philosophy — The book thoroughly discusses philosophy and human values and features deep contemplative dialogues.
Tags
gothic · horror · fiction · short story · supernatural · mystery · thriller · literary fiction · classic · american literature · 19th century literature · symbolism