The Appropriate Memorial
The Appropriate Memorial by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of death, grief, and the human desire for permanence. The narrator, who is unnamed, recounts the story of a man named Mr. Jenkins, who has built a mausoleum for his deceased wife. Despite the fact that Mrs. Jenkins' body is not present in the mausoleum, Mr. Jenkins continues to visit and tend to the structure, as if it were a living being. The story raises questions about the nature of grief and mourning, and how people cope with loss. It also touches on the idea of memorialization and the ways in which we attempt to immortalize our loved ones through physical structures or other means. Through Mr. Jenkins' obsessive behavior, Bierce highlights the complexities of human emotions and the ways in which we try to make sense of death and loss.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1890 · Genre: Short Stories, Historical Fiction, War Literature · 100 words
First lines
A High Public Functionary having died, the citizens of his town held a meeting to consider how to honour his memory, and an Other High Public
Functionary rose and addressed the meeting.
"Mr. Chairman and Gintlemen," said the Other, "it sames to me, and I'm hopin' yez wull approve the suggistion, that an appropriet way to honour the mimory of the decaised would be to erect an emolument sootably inscribed wid his vartues."
The soul of the great man looked down from Heaven and wept.
What this Textopian page supports
The Appropriate Memorial is listed on Textopian as a fable 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: Fable
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Stories, Historical Fiction, War Literature, Fantasy, Satire
- Length: 100 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Appropriate Memorial 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 The Appropriate Memorial?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- In Memoriam by Ambrose Bierce
- One Of The Saints by Ambrose Bierce
- Consolation by Ambrose Bierce
- A Lifted Finger by Ambrose Bierce
- The Scurril Press by Ambrose Bierce
- A Wreath Of Immortelles by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Short Stories — Ambrose Bierce is well-known for his short stories. This title fits that format.
- Historical Fiction — Bierce often uses historical settings and events for his writings.
- War Literature — Many of Bierce's stories revolve around the theme of war, especially the American Civil War.
- Fantasy — Bierce's works often contain elements of the supernatural.
Tags
gothic fiction · supernatural horror · mystery · thriller · death · grief · loss · memory · remembrance · tragedy · irony · symbolism