The Genesis of Embarrassment
A man reflects on various moments of embarrassment throughout his life, leading up to a pivotal moment of extreme embarrassment.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1894 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Horror · 185 words
First lines
When Adam first saw Eve he said: "O lovely creature, share my bed." Before consenting, she her gaze Fixed on the greensward to appraise, As well as vision could avouch, The value of the proffered couch.
And seeing that the grass was green And neatly clipped with a machine -- Observing that the flow'rs were rare Varieties, and some were fair, The posts of precious woods, besprent With fragrant balsams, diffluent, And all things suited to her worth, She raised her angel eyes from earth To his and, blushing to confess, Murmured: "I love you, Adam -- yes." Since then her daughters, it is said, Look always down when asked to wed.
What this Textopian page supports
The Genesis of Embarrassment is listed on Textopian as an essay by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Horror, Literary Fiction
- Length: 185 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Genesis of Embarrassment by Ambrose Bierce
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Out Of Sorts by Anton Chekhov
- The Pun by Ambrose Bierce
- The Shafter Shafted by Ambrose Bierce
- Nip Cheeked Toney by Berthold Auerbach
- Re Edified by Ambrose Bierce
- The Optimist And The Cynic by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is renowned for his biting wit and cynical approach to caricature the contemporary society.
- Short Stories — Bierce's reputation is primarily based on his short stories which often incorporated elements of dark satire and horror.
- Horror — Bierce frequently infused his fictional work with elements of supernatural horror and suspense.
- Literary Fiction — Given Bierce's profundity and stylistic complexities in his works, they are often categorized under literary fiction genre.
Tags
humor · satire · irony · social commentary · psychology · emotions · human nature · self-awareness · culture · society · history · literature