The Fogy and the Sheik
The Fogy and the Sheik is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1899. The story follows two men, a fogy (an old man) and a sheik (a wealthy and powerful man), who are on a desert journey together. Despite their vastly different ages and social statuses, the two men form an unlikely friendship as they face various challenges and dangers during their journey. The story explores themes of aging, power dynamics, and the importance of human connection in the face of adversity.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Fiction · 251 words
First lines
A Fogy who lived in a cave near a great caravan route returned to his home one day and saw, near by, a great concourse of men and animals, and in their midst a tower, at the foot of which something with wheels smoked and panted like an exhausted horse. He sought the Sheik of the Outfit.
"What sin art thou committing now, O son of a Christian dog?" said the
Fogy, with a truly Oriental politeness.
"Boring for water, you black-and-tan galoot!" replied the Sheik of the Outfit, with that ready repartee which distinguishes the Unbeliever.
What this Textopian page supports
The Fogy and the Sheik is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Humor, Fiction
- Length: 251 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Fogy and the Sheik 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 Fogy and the Sheik?
- 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
- The Man And His Goose by Ambrose Bierce
- The Royal Jester by Ambrose Bierce
- The Yearly Lie by Ambrose Bierce
- The Fabulist And The Animals by Ambrose Bierce
- For A Certain Critic by Ambrose Bierce
- Oil Of Dog by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is well-known for his satirical and ironic writing style which is present in 'The Fogy and the Sheik'
- Humor — The book employs humor throughout, which is a characteristic of Bierce's writings
- Fiction — The book creates a fictional scenario and characters, fitting into the broader genre of fiction
Tags
humor · satire · fantasy · adventure · romance · magic · mystery · supernatural · parody · irony · absurdity · surrealism