Presentiment by Ambrose Bierce
PRESENTIMENT, by Ambrose Bierce, is a short story that explores the theme of time and its mysteries. The narrator, who is also the protagonist, finds himself in a strange situation where he is unable to move or change his surroundings, despite being aware of the passage of time around him. As he observes the world around him, he realizes that time is not as linear as he once thought, and that there may be more to it than meets the eye. The story is known for its unique blend of humor, irony, and philosophical musings, which add to its intrigue and depth. Bierce's writing style is characterized by his concise and direct language, which only adds to the story's mystique. Overall, PRESENTIMENT is a thought-provoking tale that challenges readers to think about their own perceptions of time and its role in our lives.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1911 · Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Mystery · 186 words
First lines
With saintly grace and reverent tread, She walked among the graves with me; Her every foot-fall seemed to be A benediction on the dead.
The guardian spirit of the place She seemed, and I some ghost forlorn Surprised in the untimely morn She made with her resplendent face.
Moved by some waywardness of will, Three paces from the path apart She stepped and stood -- my prescient heart Was stricken with a passing chill.
The folk-lore of the years agone Remembering, I smiled and thought: "Who shudders suddenly at naught, His grave is being trod upon."
What this Textopian page supports
Presentiment is listed on Textopian as an essay by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1911 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Mystery, Gothic, Psychological
- Length: 186 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Presentiment 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 Presentiment?
- How does this essay by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Seeker And The Sought by Ambrose Bierce
- The Hypnotist by Ambrose Bierce
- Ornithanthropos by Ambrose Bierce
- At Heavens Gate by Ambrose Bierce
- Liberty by Ambrose Bierce
- The Spirit Of A Sponge by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Horror — Ambrose Bierce, the author, typically writes works that involve themes of horror, death, and the supernatural. The title 'Presentiment' suggests elements of premonition or a sensation that something is about to happen, which is a common theme in horror literature.
- Supernatural — Given Bierce's literary background, his works often delve into supernatural elements. 'Presentiment' hints at a sensation of a future event, typically associated with paranormal phenomena.
- Mystery — 'Presentiment' suggests a sense of knowing or anticipating something, a feeling usually associated with mysterious circumstances.
- Gothic — Bierce's works often contain elements of dread, death, and the supernatural, which are hallmarks of the Gothic genre.
Tags
ghost story · supernatural · time travel · fantasy · horror · mystery · thriller · psychological · suspense · literary fiction · classic · american literature