Something in the Papers
Something in the Papers by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores themes of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. The narrator receives a package containing a newspaper clipping from an unknown source, which seems to predict a future event with uncanny accuracy. As the narrator delves deeper into the origins of the clipping, they become increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind it. The story is known for its eerie atmosphere and clever use of language, as Bierce weaves together elements of horror, science fiction, and mystery to create a truly unique reading experience. With its themes of uncertainty and the unknown, Something in the Papers remains a thought-provoking and unsettling tale that continues to captivate readers to this day.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1890 · Genre: Short Stories, Satire, Historical Fiction · 284 words
First lines
"What's in the paper?" Oh, it's dev'lish dull: There's nothing happening at all -- a lull After the war-storm. Mr. Someone's wife Killed by her lover with, I think, a knife.
A fire on Blank Street and some babies -- one, Two, three or four, I don't remember, done To quite a delicate and lovely brown.
A husband shot by woman of the town -- The same old story. Shipwreck somewhere south.
What this Textopian page supports
Something in the Papers is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Stories, Satire, Historical Fiction, Horror
- Length: 284 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Something in the Papers 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 Something in the Papers?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Stories first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Spade by Ambrose Bierce
- Slickens by Ambrose Bierce
- A Man With Two Lives by Ambrose Bierce
- By False Pretenses by Ambrose Bierce
- A Resumed Identity by Ambrose Bierce
- The Circular Clew by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Short Stories — Ambrose Bierce is known for his concise and precise short stories, making this genre the most likely.
- Satire — Bierce's works often employ a biting and clever humor that is indicative of satire.
- Historical Fiction — Given Bierce's history as a Civil War veteran, his works often incorporate historical elements.
- Horror — Some of Bierce's stories contain supernatural and macabre elements, aligning with the horror genre.
Tags
mystery · thriller · detective · crime · fiction · literature · classic · american · gothic · horror · supernatural · suspense