The Cat and the Youth
The Cat and the Youth is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1892. The story follows a cat who observes a young man's life and death, reflecting on the fleeting nature of human existence. The cat becomes disillusioned with the youth's pursuit of wealth and status, ultimately concluding that true happiness can only be found through living in the present moment. Would you like me to provide more information about this story or its author?
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1896 · Genre: Short Stories, Fiction, Moral · 87 words
First lines
A Cat fell in love with a handsome Young Man, and entreated Venus to change her into a woman.
"I should think," said Venus, "you might make so trifling a change without bothering me. However, be a woman."
Afterward, wishing to see if the change were complete, Venus caused a mouse to approach, whereupon the woman shrieked and made such a show of herself that the Young Man would not marry her.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cat and the Youth is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Moral, Satire, Surreal
- Length: 87 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cat and the Youth 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 Cat and the Youth?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Stories first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Contemplation by Ambrose Bierce
- The Night Of Election by Ambrose Bierce
- A Guest by Ambrose Bierce
- Finis Aeternitatis by Ambrose Bierce
- To Day by Ambrose Bierce
- Art by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Short Stories — Ambrose Bierce is well known for his short story contributions.
- Fiction — The story involves elements of fiction and imaginary events.
- Moral — The story portrays moral lessons and highlights the values or conducts to be followed.
- Satire — Bierce frequently uses satire in his writing style to mock or criticize the society.
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · fantasy · mystery · thriller · suspense · literary fiction · short story · classic · american literature · 19th century literature