The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter

Name: The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter
Author: Ambrose Bierce

The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that revolves around a monk who lives in a remote monastery and a hangman's daughter who lives nearby. The monk, Father John, is known for his piety and kindness, while the hangman's daughter, Rosalie, is feared and avoided by the local villagers due to her father's profession. One day, Father John visits Rosalie at her home and offers her a ride on his horse. Despite their initial reservations, they begin a conversation that reveals their deepest fears and desires. As they continue their journey together, they discover a mutual understanding and respect for each other's struggles. The story raises questions about the nature of judgment and redemption, highlighting the idea that people are more than their external appearances.

By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1902 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance · 36 chapters · 35,149 words

First lines

On the first day of May in the year of our Blessed Lord 1680, the Franciscan monks AEgidius, Romanus and Ambrosius were sent by their Superior from the Christian city of Passau to the Monastery of Berchtesgaden, near Salzburg. I, Ambrosius, was the strongest and youngest of the three, being but twenty-one years of age.

What this Textopian page supports

The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1902 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Ambrose Bierce
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Tragedy
Length: 35,149 words
Structure: 36 chapters, 399 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Gothic Fiction — The book is marked by elements of horror and the supernatural, which are characteristic of Gothic fiction.
Historical Fiction — The story is set in 17th-century Bavaria and includes the social norms, practices, and political climate of the time.
Romance — At its core, the story involves an impossible love affair between the titular Monk and Hangman's Daughter
Tragedy — The novel contains various tragic elements such as forbidden love, personal downfall, character deaths, and has an overall sad and tragic ending.