The Belly and the Members
The Belly and the Members is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, published in 1899. The story follows the journey of a man who, after being kicked out of his home, finds himself lost and alone in a strange city. As he wanders through the streets, he comes across various members of society, each representing a different aspect of human nature. The story is a commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for meaning and connection in a chaotic world. Through the use of vivid imagery and symbolism, Bierce creates a sense of unease and uncertainty, leaving the reader to ponder the deeper meanings of the tale. In summary, The Belly and the Members is a thought-provoking and haunting short story that delves into the complexities of human nature and the search for meaning in a seemingly uncaring world.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Satire, Fable, Fantasy · 92 words
First lines
Some Workingmen employed in a shoe factory went on a strike, saying: "Why should we continue to work to feed and clothe our employer when we have none too much to eat and wear ourselves?"
The Manufacturer, seeing that he could get no labour for a long time and finding the times pretty hard anyhow, burned down his shoe factory for the insurance, and when the strikers wanted to resume work there was no work to resume. So they boycotted a tanner.
What this Textopian page supports
The Belly and the Members is listed on Textopian as a fable 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: Fable
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Fable, Fantasy, Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 92 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Belly and the Members 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 Belly and the Members?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Self Made Monkey by Ambrose Bierce
- The Statesman And The Horse by Ambrose Bierce
- The Oleomargarine Man by Ambrose Bierce
- Mad by Ambrose Bierce
- Oil Of Dog by Ambrose Bierce
- The Shafter Shafted by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — The book uses humor, irony and exaggeration to critique people's stupidity or vices in the society.
- Fable — The book employs anthropomorphized animals as characters to communicate a moral lesson.
- Fantasy — The book contains themes of magic, mythological creatures, and alternative worlds.
- Fiction — The book's narrative is framed in a non-factual, invented universe.
Tags
humor · satire · short stories · dark comedy · absurdity · surrealism · symbolism · allegory · social commentary · political satire · gothic fiction · supernatural elements