Nanine by Ambrose Bierce (1872)
"Nanine" is a novella written by Ambrose Bierce in 1897. The story follows the life of Nanine, a young woman who is born into a wealthy family but finds herself feeling suffocated by her privileged upbringing. As she grows older, Nanine becomes increasingly disillusioned with her life and begins to question the values and beliefs that have been instilled in her since childhood. When she meets a man named Jean, who is from a lower social class, she finds herself drawn to him and his more simple way of living. Despite their differences, Nanine and Jean form a deep connection, but their love is threatened by the societal pressures that surround them. Will they be able to overcome these obstacles and find happiness together, or will their love be doomed by the expectations of those around them?
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1872 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Short Story · 127 words
First lines
We heard a song-bird trilling -- 'T was but a night ago.
Such rapture he was rilling As only we could know.
This morning he is flinging His music from the tree, But something in the singing Is not the same to me.
His inspiration fails him, Or he has lost his skill.
What this Textopian page supports
Nanine is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1872 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Humor, Short Story
- Length: 127 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Nanine 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 Nanine?
- 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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Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is known for his satirical writing style, and 'Nanine' is no exception. The book employs elements of satire to critically comment on society and human nature.
- Humor — Despite its critical nature, 'Nanine' is written with a lighthearted tone and employs humorous elements throughout, making it suitable for the humor genre.
- Short Story — 'Nanine' is a brief story rather than a full-length novel or novella, fitting it into the short story genre.
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · fantasy · magical realism · surreal · symbolism · psychological · literary fiction · classic