The Passing of "Boss" Shepherd
The story follows the death of a man named "Boss" Shepherd, who was known for his wealth and power. As he lies on his deathbed, he reflects on his life and the people he has encountered, including his wife, children, and business partners. Despite his wealth and success, Boss is ultimately alone in his final moments, as no one is by his side to comfort him. The story is a commentary on the fleeting nature of life and the isolation that can come with wealth and power.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1893 · Genre: Biography, History, Political · 734 words
First lines
The sullen church-bell's intermittent moan, The dirge's melancholy monotone, The measured march, the drooping flags, attest A great man's progress to his place of rest.
Along broad avenues himself decreed To serve his fellow men's disputed need -- Past parks he raped away from robbers' thrift And gave to poverty, wherein to lift Its voice to curse the giver and the gift -- Past noble structures that he reared for men To meet in and revile him, tongue and pen, Draws the long retinue of death to show The fit credentials of a proper woe.
What this Textopian page supports
The Passing of "Boss" Shepherd 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: Biography, History, Political
- Length: 734 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Passing of "Boss" Shepherd by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Passing of "Boss" Shepherd?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Biography first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Biography — The book features the life story of Alexander Robey Shepherd, also known as 'Boss' Shepherd.
- History — The plot unfolds around historical events. It provides insights into the years when 'Boss' Shepherd served as the governor of the District of Columbia.
- Political — The content of the book revolves around 'Boss' Shepherd's involvement in politics, his term as a governor, and the events that led to his fall from grace.
Tags
historical fiction · short story collection · American literature · ghost story · supernatural · mystery · thriller · classic · 19th century literature · Ambrose Bierce · The Civil War · war fiction