The Highwayman and the Traveller
The Highwayman and the Traveller is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1879. The story follows the journey of a highwayman who encounters a traveler on a dark and stormy night. The two engage in a conversation that reveals their respective circumstances and motivations, leading to a tragic conclusion. Can I help you with anything else?
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1896 · Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 168 words
First lines
A Highwayman confronted a Traveller, and covering him with a firearm, shouted: "Your money or your life!"
"My good friend," said the Traveller, "according to the terms of your demand my money will save my life, my life my money; you imply you will take one or the other, but not both. If that is what you mean, please be good enough to take my life."
"That is not what I mean," said the Highwayman; "you cannot save your money by giving up your life."
"Then take it, anyhow," the Traveller said. "If it will not save my money, it is good for nothing."
What this Textopian page supports
The Highwayman and the Traveller is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Drama, Crime
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Highwayman and the Traveller 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 Highwayman and the Traveller?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Returned Californian by Ambrose Bierce
- Two In Trouble by Ambrose Bierce
- A Ship And A Man by Ambrose Bierce
- The Man And The Lightning by Ambrose Bierce
- A Call To Quit by Ambrose Bierce
- Mr Sheets by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fiction — As 'The Highwayman and the Traveller' is a work created from the author's imagination and does not depict real events or factual information, it fits into the Fiction genre.
- Adventure — The title suggests a journey or exploration undertaken by the characters, fitting into the Adventure genre.
- Historical Fiction — Assuming the story is set in a non-contemporary time period resembling history, based on the use of 'Highwayman' – an occupation common in past centuries, it can be classified under Historical Fiction.
- Drama — If there is a focus on the conflicts and emotional development of the characters, namely the Highwayman and the Traveller, the book belongs to the Drama genre.
Tags
ghost story · supernatural · travel · adventure · mystery · fiction · classic · american literature · short story · horror · suspense · thriller