The Discontented Malefactor
The Discontented Malefactor is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. The story follows the life of a man named John, who after being released from prison, becomes disillusioned with society and decides to take revenge on those he feels have wronged him. What do you think about this book?
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1870 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Dark Comedy · 111 words
First lines
A Judge having sentenced a Malefactor to the penitentiary was proceeding to point out to him the disadvantages of crime and the profit of reformation.
"Your Honour," said the Malefactor, interrupting, "would you be kind enough to alter my punishment to ten years in the penitentiary and nothing else?"
"Why," said the Judge, surprised, "I have given you only three years!"
"Yes, I know," assented the Malefactor -- "three years' imprisonment and the preaching. If you please, I should like to commute the preaching."
What this Textopian page supports
The Discontented Malefactor is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1870 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: 1870 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Dark Comedy, Classic, Historical Fiction
- Length: 111 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Discontented Malefactor 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 Discontented Malefactor?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- An Unmerry Christmas by Ambrose Bierce
- Haec Fabula Docet by Ambrose Bierce
- The Self Made Monkey by Ambrose Bierce
- The Eligible Son In Law by Ambrose Bierce
- The Yearly Lie by Ambrose Bierce
- Mad by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is well-known for his satirical writing style and the use of cynicism and dark humor. Though the specific plot of 'The Discontented Malefactor' is unspecified, based on the author's other works and his overall style, we can reasonably predict a satirical tone.
- Short Stories — Bierce is a renowned short story author, often focusing on the darker aspects of human nature and society. His works often feature twists, making the genre of short stories a likely fit for 'The Discontented Malefactor'.
- Dark Comedy — Given Bierce's known fondness for biting humor and grim perspectives, this genre is a potential fit. Many of his works fall under the category of dark comedy, making it plausible that this piece does as well.
- Classic — As an established author from the late 19th to early 20th century, Bierce's works are considered classics of American literature. Therefore, 'The Discontented Malefactor' would aptly fit into this category.
Tags
dark humor · satire · irony · gothic fiction · mystery · thriller · supernatural · horror · fantasy · absurdity · surrealism · parody