One Mood's Expression
ONE MOOD'S EXPRESSION is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1890. The story follows a man who, after experiencing a series of unfortunate events, becomes fixated on a single emotion - a mood of intense irritation and discontent. As he navigates his daily life, the man finds himself unable to shake this mood, leading him to lash out at those around him and become increasingly isolated. The story explores themes of mental health, emotional turmoil, and the challenges of maintaining relationships in the face of overwhelming negative emotions.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1870 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Horror · 158 words
First lines
See, Lord, fanatics all arrayed For revolution! To foil their villainous crusade Unsheathe again the sacred blade Of persecution.
What though through long disuse 't is grown A trifle rusty? 'Gainst modern heresy, whose bone Is rotten, and the flesh fly-blown, It still is trusty.
Of sterner stuff thine ancient foes, Unapprehensive, Sprang forth to meet thy biting blows; Our zealots chiefly to the nose Assume the offensive.
Then wield the blade their necks to hack, Nor ever spare one.
What this Textopian page supports
One Mood's Expression is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1870 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: 1870 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Horror, Historical Fiction
- Length: 158 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for One Mood's Expression 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 One Mood's Expression?
- 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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- Magnanimity by Ambrose Bierce
- T A H by Ambrose Bierce
- To Nanine by Ambrose Bierce
- A Literary Hangman by Ambrose Bierce
- A Lifted Finger by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is known for his biting satire and criticism, often employing these techniques to comment on societal norms.
- Short Stories — Bierce's works usually comprised of collections of short stories, each revealing a particular mood or experience.
- Horror — Bierce is known for his works of horror, often using supernatural elements to heighten the mood.
- Historical Fiction — Many of Bierce's stories are set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, a time period he personally lived through and often used for his narratives.
Tags
mystery · thriller · horror · gothic · supernatural · psychological · suspense · literary fiction · american literature · classic · short stories · dark humor