The Honest Cadi by Ambrose Bierce
The Honest Cadi is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. The story follows the character of Cadi, a man who has been wrongfully accused of murder and is on the run from the law. Despite his innocence, Cadi is unable to prove it and must flee to avoid capture. As he travels, Cadi encounters various people who offer him help or hindrances, but he remains steadfast in his determination to clear his name. Along the way, he reflects on his past and the events that led to his current situation, ultimately realizing that honesty and integrity are the only things that truly matter. The story is a classic example of Bierce's dark humor and satire, as well as his ability to craft compelling characters and narratives. Through Cadi's journey, Bierce explores themes of justice, morality, and the human condition, leaving readers with a thought-provoking and unsettling tale.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1893 · Genre: Short Story, Drama, Satire · 179 words
First lines
A Robber who had plundered a Merchant of one thousand pieces of gold was taken before the Cadi, who asked him if he had anything to say why he should not be decapitated.
"Your Honour," said the Robber, "I could do no otherwise than take the money, for Allah made me that way."
"Your defence is ingenious and sound," said the Cadi, "and I must acquit you of criminality. Unfortunately, Allah has made me so that I must also take off your head -- unless," he added, thoughtfully, "you offer me half of the gold; for He made me weak under temptation."
Thereupon the Robber put five hundred pieces of gold into the Cadi's hand.
What this Textopian page supports
The Honest Cadi is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Drama, Satire, Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 179 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Honest Cadi 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 Honest Cadi?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Story first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Yearly Lie by Ambrose Bierce
- Mendax by Ambrose Bierce
- The Writer And The Tramps by Ambrose Bierce
- An Inadequate Fee by Ambrose Bierce
- A Word To The Unwise by Ambrose Bierce
- A Smiling Idol by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Short Story — The work is in short form typically focusing on a singular event or series.
- Drama — The story revolves around personal conflicts and emotions of its characters.
- Satire — Bierce's works often use humor, irony, ridicule, or exaggeration to criticize human vices and follies.
- Fiction — The story and its characters are imagined and not based on real events or people.
Tags
mystery · thriller · detective · crime · fiction · short story · gothic · supernatural · irony · satire · dark humor · psychological