Not Guilty by Ambrose Bierce (1899)
NOT GUILTY, by Ambrose Bierce, is a short story that explores the theme of guilt and innocence. The narrator, a lawyer, defends a man accused of murder, only to discover that the true culprit is none other than the accuser himself. The story raises questions about the nature of justice and the ease with which one can be wrongly accused. How does this resonate with you?
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery · 98 words
First lines
"I saw your charms in another's arms," Said a Grecian swain with his blood a-boil; "And he kissed you fair as he held you there, A willing bird in a serpent's coil!"
The maid looked up from the cinctured cup Wherein she was crushing the berries red, Pain and surprise in her honest eyes -- "It was only one o' those gods," she said.
What this Textopian page supports
Not Guilty 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: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
- Length: 98 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Not Guilty 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 Not Guilty?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Celebrated Case by Ambrose Bierce
- The Justice And His Accuser by Ambrose Bierce
- The Case Of Mr Loftus Deacon by Arthur Morrison
- The Viduate Dame by Ambrose Bierce
- The Holford Will Case by Arthur Morrison
- The Case Of The Late Mr Rewse by Arthur Morrison
Genres
- Fiction — Ambrose Bierce is known for his fictional stories, which often explore themes of guilt, morality, and society.
- Historical Fiction — Bierce's works often portray historical settings and scenarios, with books like 'Not Guilty' containing references and influence from the cultural and societal norms of the times they depict.
- Mystery — The premise of 'Not Guilty' hints at an enigma or unanswered question, characteristic of mystery genre novels.
- Thriller — Bierce's writing style and the plot developments in 'Not Guilty' create suspense and anticipation, hallmarks of the thriller genre.
Tags
mystery · thriller · detective · crime · justice · legal · trial · innocence · guilt · greed · corruption · power