The Birth of Virtue
The Birth of Virtue is a novella by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1894. It tells the story of a man named John Hodge, who after being wrongfully accused and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, seeks revenge against the society that betrayed him. The novella explores themes of justice, morality, and the nature of humanity.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1873 · Genre: Literature, Classic, Philosophy · 113 words
First lines
When, long ago, the young world circling flew Through wider reaches of a richer blue, New-eyed, the men and maids saw, manifest, The thoughts untold in one another's breast: Each wish displayed, and every passion learned -- A look revealed them as a look discerned.
But sating Time with clouds o'ercast their eyes; Desire was hidden, and the lips framed lies.
A goddess then, emerging from the dust, Fair Virtue rose, the daughter of Distrust.
What this Textopian page supports
The Birth of Virtue is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1873 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: 1873 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literature, Classic, Philosophy, Historical
- Length: 113 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Birth of Virtue 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 Birth of Virtue?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Who May With The Shrewd Hours Strive by Arthur Willis Colton
- A Vanquished Man by Alice Meynell
- The Man Of Principle by Ambrose Bierce
- Politics by Ambrose Bierce
- Which Make Men Remember by Jack London
- Matter For Gratitude by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Literature — As Ambrose Bierce is a known author in the Literature genre, it's likely this book follows in that vein.
- Classic — Bierce's works are often considered part of the Classic genre due to their enduring relevance and quality.
- Philosophy — The title, 'THE BIRTH OF VIRTUE', suggests a philosophical exploration on the nature of virtue.
- Historical — Much of Bierce's work explores historical themes, and 'THE BIRTH OF VIRTUE' may also do so.
Tags
Fiction · Literary Fiction · Historical Fiction · Classic Literature · American Literature · Short Stories · Gothic Fiction · Supernatural Fiction · Mystery · Detective Fiction · Suspense · Victorian Era