The Hardy Patriots by Ambrose Bierce
The Hardy Patriots is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, published in 1898. The story follows the journey of two American patriots, John and Tom, who are sentenced to death for their political beliefs during a time of civil unrest. Despite their impending doom, they remain steadfast in their convictions and continue to express their patriotism until the very end. In this story, Bierce explores themes of loyalty, patriotism, and the importance of standing by one's beliefs, even in the face of adversity. Through the characters of John and Tom, he highlights the sacrifices that can be made for one's country and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. Overall, The Hardy Patriots is a powerful and thought-provoking tale that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of themes such as patriotism, loyalty, and the human condition make it a timeless work of literature that remains relevant in contemporary society.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1895 · Genre: Historical Fiction, War and Military, Adventure · 154 words
First lines
A Dispenser-Elect of Patronage gave notice through the newspapers that applicants for places would be given none until he should assume the duties of his office.
"You are exposing yourself to a grave danger," said a Lawyer.
"How so?" the Dispenser-Elect inquired.
"It will be nearly two months," the Lawyer answered, "before the day that you mention. Few patriots can live so long without eating, and some of the applicants will be compelled to go to work in the meantime. If that kills them, you will be liable to prosecution for murder."
What this Textopian page supports
The Hardy Patriots is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, War and Military, Adventure, Drama, Political
- Length: 154 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Hardy Patriots 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 Hardy Patriots?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Debatable Land by Arthur Willis Colton
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- The Return Of Yen Tchin King by Lafcadio Hearn
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The title 'The Hardy Patriots' implies the story could be about courageous patriots and potentially historical events, making Historical Fiction the most relevant genre.
- War and Military — Patriotism and the associated courage often link to the themes of war and military, making this a highly fitting genre.
- Adventure — The determination and courage implied through 'Hardy Patriots' suggests elements of adventure could be present in the book.
- Drama — The plight of 'Hardy Patriots' in a historical setup often creates dramatic situations, making Drama a possible genre.
Tags
American Literature · War Fiction · Patriotism · Allegory · Fable · Historical Fiction · Social Commentary · Political Satire · Mythology · Folklore · Gothic · Supernatural