The Free Trader's Lament
A man laments the loss of his freedom and livelihood due to the rise of industrialization and capitalism. He once made a living as a free trader, buying and selling goods on his own terms, but now he is forced to work for wages in a factory. The story explores themes of exploitation, oppression, and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Satire, Political, Historical · 354 words
First lines
Oft from a trading-boat I purchased spice And shells and corals, brought for my inspection From the fair tropics -- paid a Christian price And was content in my fool's paradise, Where never had been heard the word "Protection."
'T was my sole island; there I dwelt alone -- No customs-house, collector nor collection, But a man came, who, in a pious tone Condoled with me that I had never known The manifest advantage of Protection.
What this Textopian page supports
The Free Trader's Lament is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Political, Historical, Fiction
- Length: 354 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Free Trader's Lament 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 Free Trader's Lament?
- 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
- The Mackaiad by Ambrose Bierce
- The Royal Jester by Ambrose Bierce
- The Citizen And The Snakes by Ambrose Bierce
- Two Kings by Ambrose Bierce
- The Penitent Elector by Ambrose Bierce
- Johndonkey by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce was known for his biting wit and satirical writing style, which is reflected in 'THE FREE TRADER'S LAMENT'.
- Political — The book, with its title referring to 'Free Trader', likely delves into themes of economics and politics.
- Historical — Given the author's penchant for drawing upon historical contexts in his work, parts of this book may be set against historical backdrops.
- Fiction — It has been categorized under fiction considering the author's literary style and known works.
Tags
literary fiction · short story · speculative fiction · science fiction · fantasy · horror · gothic · supernatural · magical realism · symbolism · allegory · social commentary