Revenge by Ambrose Bierce (1899)
Revenge is a novella written by Ambrose Bierce in 1874. The story follows the character of Colonel Ashby, who seeks revenge against the men who killed his wife and daughter during the Civil War. The novella explores themes of grief, trauma, and the human desire for justice. Throughout the story, Bierce uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the darkness and brutality of war and its aftermath. Despite being written over a century ago, Revenge remains a powerful and relevant work that continues to resonate with readers today.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Fiction, Short Stories, Mystery · 251 words
First lines
A spitcat sate on a garden gate And a snapdog fared beneath; Careless and free was his mien, and he Held a fiddle-string in his teeth.
She marked his march, she wrought an arch Of her back and blew up her tail; And her eyes were green as ever were seen, And she uttered a woful wail.
The spitcat's plaint was as follows: "It ain't That I am to music a foe; For fiddle-strings bide in my own inside, And I twang them soft and low.
"But that dog has trifled with art and rifled A kitten of mine, ah me! That catgut slim was marauded from him: 'Tis the string that men call E."
What this Textopian page supports
Revenge 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, Short Stories, Mystery, Suspense, Horror
- Length: 251 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Revenge 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 Revenge?
- 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
- The Prerogative Of Might by Ambrose Bierce
- Two Footpads by Ambrose Bierce
- Quicksands by B. M. Croker
- At The National Encampment by Ambrose Bierce
- To An Insolent Attorney by Ambrose Bierce
- To Her by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fiction — Ambrose Bierce's 'Revenge' is a fictional narrative, as its events and characters are the invention of the author.
- Short Stories — 'Revenge' is a brief, complete narrative, making it fit into the category of short stories.
- Mystery — The story explores a mysterious situation where the protagonist seeks revenge, aligning it with mystery genre.
- Suspense — The narrative creates tension and suspense as the protagonist's plans for revenge unfold, categorizing it as a suspense story.
Tags
thriller · horror · gothic · mystery · suspense · psychological · dark · violent · revenge · betrayal · deception · ambition