The Cynic's Bequest
The Cynic's Bequest by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of mortality, morality, and the human condition. The narrator, a cynical old man, bequeaths his estate to his nephew with the condition that he must spend a night in a haunted house. The nephew, initially hesitant, eventually agrees and spends the night in the house, encountering various supernatural occurrences that challenge his beliefs and values. Through the story, Bierce examines the nature of fear, the power of the human imagination, and the fragility of life.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1891 · Genre: Satire, Dark Comedy, Short Stories · 2,047 words
First lines
In that fair city, Ispahan, There dwelt a problematic man, Whose angel never was released, Who never once let out his beast, But kept, through all the seasons' round, Silence unbroken and profound.
No Prophecy, with ear applied To key-hole of the future, tried Successfully to catch a hint Of what he'd do nor when begin 't; As sternly did his past defy Mild Retrospection's backward eye.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cynic's Bequest is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Dark Comedy, Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Horror
- Length: 2,047 words
- Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cynic's Bequest 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 Cynic's Bequest?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Magnanimity by Ambrose Bierce
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- A Revivalist Revived by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is known for his biting wit and cynical view of human nature, making Satire the most relevant genre for 'THE CYNIC'S BEQUEST'.
- Dark Comedy — Bierce's works often tackle serious themes using humor. This juxtaposition aligns well with the genre of Dark Comedy.
- Short Stories — Ambrose Bierce was a prolific author of short stories. 'THE CYNIC'S BEQUEST' might likewise be a collection of these stories.
- Historical Fiction — Bierce's works frequently draw upon his own experiences in the American Civil War, suggesting a possible Historical Fiction element in 'THE CYNIC'S BEQUEST'.
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · fantasy · mystery · thriller · dark humor · irony · satire · social commentary · psychological · symbolism