The Lost Colonel by Ambrose Bierce
The Lost Colonel by Ambrose Bierce is a novella that tells the story of an unnamed protagonist who finds himself lost in the wilderness after his regiment is decimated during the Civil War. With no food, water, or shelter, he must rely on his own resourcefulness and determination to survive. As he navigates through the forest, he encounters various obstacles, including wild animals, harsh weather conditions, and his own personal demons. Despite the challenges, he remains determined to find a way out of the wilderness and return to civilization. The novella is known for its gripping and realistic portrayal of survival in the wilderness, as well as its exploration of themes such as loss, grief, and the human condition. Bierce's writing style is direct and concise, which adds to the sense of urgency and desperation that permeates the story. Overall, The Lost Colonel is a thought-provoking and suspenseful tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1893 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Military Fiction · 625 words
First lines
"Tis a woeful yarn," said the sailor man bold Who had sailed the northern-lakes -- "No woefuler one has ever been told Exceptin' them called 'fakes."
"Go on, thou son of the wind and fog, For I burn to know the worst!" But his silent lip in a glass of grog Was dreamily immersed.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lost Colonel is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Military Fiction, Mystery
- Length: 625 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lost Colonel 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 Lost Colonel?
- How does this short story 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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Genres
- Historical Fiction — Based on the author's works, it's likely the book delves into historical settings and events.
- Adventure — The title implies a missing person or journey which aligns with the adventure genre.
- Military Fiction — The title implies a military element which ties to the military fiction genre.
- Mystery — The aspect of the 'Lost' Colonel suggests mystery or unraveled truths.
Tags
gothic fiction · supernatural horror · mystery · thriller · war story · soldiers and sailors · lost causes · desertion · betrayal · redemption · psychological drama · mental illness