The Convicts' Ball by Ambrose Bierce
The Convicts' Ball, written by Ambrose Bierce, is a short story that revolves around the themes of justice, morality, and redemption. The narrative follows a group of convicts who are given the opportunity to attend a ball hosted by their wealthy benefactor, Mr. Blunt. At the ball, the convicts are treated to a night of luxury and indulgence, but their joy is short-lived as they soon realize that their benefactor has a hidden agenda. The story raises questions about the nature of justice and morality, and whether it is possible for individuals to truly change their ways. Through the use of irony and symbolism, Bierce highlights the hypocrisy of society and the ease with which individuals can be manipulated by those in power. Overall, The Convicts' Ball is a thought-provoking and timely tale that continues to resonate with readers today.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1893 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Suspense · 517 words
First lines
San Quentin was brilliant. Within the halls Of the noble pile with the frowning walls (God knows they've enough to make them frown, With a Governor trying to break them down!) Was a blaze of light. 'Twas the natal day Of his nibs the popular John S. Gray, And many observers considered his birth The primary cause of his moral worth. "The ball is free!" cried Black Bart, and they all Said a ball with no chain was a novel ball; "And I never have seed," said Jimmy Hope, "Sech a lightsome dance withouten a rope." Chinamen, Indians, Portuguese, Blacks, Russians, Italians, Kanucks and Kanaks, Chilenos, Peruvians, Mexicans -- all Greased with their presence that notable ball.
What this Textopian page supports
The Convicts' Ball is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Adventure, Drama
- Length: 517 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Convicts' Ball 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 Convicts' Ball?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Wooden Guns by Ambrose Bierce
- An Inadequate Fee by Ambrose Bierce
- A Revivalist Revived by Ambrose Bierce
- The Highwayman And The Traveller by Ambrose Bierce
- Slander by Ambrose Bierce
- The Returned Californian by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story takes place in a historical context, making a recreation of a specific time period a key element of the book.
- Mystery — The convict's ball entails an element of intrigue and suspense, making 'mystery' a relevant genre.
- Suspense — The events leading up to the ball create a sense of tension and apprehension.
- Adventure — The convicts' escape and subsequent actions can be seen as an exciting and risky undertaking, characteristic of the adventure genre.
Tags
gothic · horror · thriller · crime · mystery · fiction · novel · short story · literary fiction · classic · american literature · 19th century literature