On the Wedding of an Aëronaut
This short story follows the journey of an aëronaut who marries a woman he meets in the sky. The couple exchanges vows while floating in mid-air, surrounded by other aëronauts and airships. After the ceremony, they return to their respective homes, each reflecting on the unusual circumstances of their wedding. Read it here: <https://www.gutenberg.org/files/50648/50648-h/50648-h.htm>
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1874 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller · 78 words
First lines
Aëronaut, you're fairly caught, Despite your bubble's leaven: Out of the skies a lady's eyes Have brought you down to Heaven!
No more, no more you'll freely soar Above the grass and gravel: Henceforth you'll walk -- and she will chalk The line that you're to travel!
What this Textopian page supports
On the Wedding of an Aëronaut is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1874 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: 1874 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Romance
- Length: 78 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On the Wedding of an Aëronaut 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 On the Wedding of an Aëronaut?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Frivolous Cupid by Antonio Hope
- The Man Who Could Work Miracles by H. G. Wells
- The Trouble In Leafy Green Street by Lord Dunsany
- Witches Loaves by O. Henry
- The Fold by Alice Meynell
- The World And The Door by O. Henry
Genres
- Science Fiction — The book is about an astronaut, making it directly related to the theme of science and technology often seen in the science fiction genre.
- Adventure — The journey and experiences of the astronaut align with the adventure genre's narrative of exploration and discovery.
- Thriller — The title suggests an unusual situation involving an astronaut, which alludes to suspense and potential dangers typical of a thriller.
- Romance — The reference to wedding suggests a plotline involving love and relationships, common of the Romance genre.
Tags
Fantasy · Satire · Humor · Short Story · Literary Fiction · Allegory · Symbolism · Surrealism · Existentialism · Absurdity · Irony · Parody