The Expatriated Boss
The Expatriate Boss by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that follows the journey of a man who has been fired from his job and is now struggling to find new employment. Despite his best efforts, he is met with rejection and disinterest from potential employers. As he navigates this difficult time, he begins to question the value of work and the purpose of his life. In this story, Bierce explores themes of identity, purpose, and the human condition. Through the eyes of the protagonist, the reader is able to see the harsh realities of unemployment and the impact it can have on a person's sense of self-worth. The story also raises questions about the nature of work and whether it is truly necessary for happiness and fulfillment. Overall, The Expatriate Boss is a thought-provoking and timely tale that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of the human experience and the challenges of finding purpose in life make it a relatable and impactful read.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1878 · Genre: Satire, Historical Fiction, Political Fiction · 98 words
First lines
A Boss who had gone to Canada was taunted by a Citizen of Montreal with having fled to avoid prosecution.
"You do me a grave injustice," said the Boss, parting with a pair of tears. "I came to Canada solely because of its political attractions; its Government is the most corrupt in the world."
"Pray forgive me," said the Citizen of Montreal.
They fell upon each other's neck, and at the conclusion of that touching rite the Boss had two watches.
What this Textopian page supports
The Expatriated Boss is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1878 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: 1878 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Historical Fiction, Political Fiction, Drama
- Length: 98 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Expatriated Boss 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 Expatriated Boss?
- 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
- One President by Ambrose Bierce
- One Judge by Ambrose Bierce
- The Statesmen by Ambrose Bierce
- Election Day by Ambrose Bierce
- A Statesman by Ambrose Bierce
- Two Politicians by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Based on Bierce's style of writing, this book may contain humor, irony, and ridicule to criticize and expose human nature or societal issues.
- Historical Fiction — Ambrose Bierce was known for his historical fiction, and the title suggests a boss who has been exiled or left their home country, which is a common theme in historical novels.
- Political Fiction — The term 'expatriated' often relates to political themes. This hints at the exploration of political power dynamics and implications.
- Drama — Bierce's compositions usually have strong dramatic elements. 'The Expatriated Boss' title suggests a cuing of status, identity, and power struggle themes typical of drama genre.
Tags
business · management · leadership · corporate culture · workplace dynamics · expatriation · globalization · cultural differences · language barriers · social norms · power struggles · ambition