The Alderman and the Raccoon
The story follows an alderman who encounters a raccoon in the middle of the city. Despite their differences, the two engage in a philosophical conversation about life, death, and the meaning of existence. The raccoon presents a unique perspective on the world, challenging the alderman's assumptions and offering a fresh outlook on reality. Ultimately, the two part ways, leaving the reader to ponder the deeper questions raised by their encounter.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1897 · Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Humor · 79 words
First lines
"I see quite a number of rings on your tail," said an Alderman to a
Raccoon that he met in a zoological garden.
"Yes," replied the Raccoon, "and I hear quite a number of tales on your ring."
The Alderman, being of a sensitive, retiring disposition, shrank from further comparison, and, strolling to another part of the garden, stole the camel.
What this Textopian page supports
The Alderman and the Raccoon is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1897 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Adventure, Humor, Political, Animal
- Length: 79 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Alderman and the Raccoon 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 The Alderman and the Raccoon?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Fabulist And The Animals by Ambrose Bierce
- The Man And The Eagle by Ambrose Bierce
- The Piping Fisherman by Ambrose Bierce
- The Thrush by Arthur Willis Colton
- The Lion The Bear And The Fox by Ambrose Bierce
- The Milkmaid And Her Bucket by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fiction — The book is a story constructed from the author's imagination.
- Adventure — The plot of the alderman interacting with the raccoon and the ensuing events provides a thrilling adventure.
- Humor — The odd pair of the alderman and the raccoon can lead to humorous situations, making this book fit into the humor genre.
- Political — Alderman is a political figure which suggests the potential presence of political themes.
Tags
fiction · short story · humor · satire · politics · government · animals · raccoons · urban fantasy · supernatural · magic realism · surrealism