The Crimson Candle by Ambrose Bierce
The Crimson Candle, written by Ambrose Bierce, is a short story that revolves around the themes of death, grief, and the supernatural. The narrative follows a man named Old Man Cooley who, after the death of his wife, becomes obsessed with a mysterious crimson candle that he believes can bring back his deceased spouse. As Old Man Cooley delves deeper into his obsession, he begins to experience strange occurrences and visions, leading him to question his own sanity. The story builds towards a climactic ending as the old man's grip on reality begins to slip, and the true nature of the crimson candle is revealed. Throughout the narrative, Bierce employs a subtle yet effective use of foreshadowing, creating an atmosphere of eerie suspense that keeps readers engaged until the very end. The story's exploration of grief and the human psyche adds depth and complexity to the plot, making it a thought-provoking and unsettling read.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1890 · Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Short Stories · 155 words
First lines
A man lying at the point of death called his wife to his bedside and said:
"I am about to leave you forever; give me, therefore, one last proof of your affection and fidelity, for, according to our holy religion, a married man seeking admittance at the gate of Heaven is required to swear that he has never defiled himself with an unworthy woman. In my desk you will find a crimson candle, which has been blessed by the High Priest and has a peculiar mystical significance. Swear to me that while it is in existence you will not remarry."
The Woman swore and the Man died. At the funeral the Woman stood at the head of the bier, holding a lighted crimson candle till it was wasted entirely away.
What this Textopian page supports
The Crimson Candle 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: Mystery, Supernatural, Short Stories, Classic Literature
- Length: 155 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Crimson Candle 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 Crimson Candle?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Mystery — The book unfolds around a mysterious and supernatural plot, involving the raising and disposing of a red candle, leading to an unexpected twist.
- Supernatural — The story incorporates supernatural elements such as the 'magical' crimson candle that can alter life events.
- Short Stories — The book is part of a larger collection of Ambrose Bierce's short stories, fitting multiple themes and plots in an abbreviated format.
- Classic Literature — Written in the late 19th century, 'The Crimson Candle' by Ambrose Bierce falls under the category of classic literature, demonstrating the author's profound command over storytelling and portraying deep human emotions.
Tags
gothic fiction · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · fantasy · magic realism · surrealism · psychological horror · haunting · ghost story · supernatural suspense