The Politicians by Ambrose Bierce
The Politicians by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of power, corruption, and the blinding effects of ambition. The story follows a group of politicians who are consumed by their desire for wealth and influence, ultimately leading to their downfall. The story begins with the introduction of a group of politicians who are gathered in a hotel room to discuss their latest political maneuvers. They are portrayed as selfish and manipulative, more concerned with their own interests than with the well-being of the people they are supposed to serve. As the story progresses, the politicians become increasingly obsessed with their own power and wealth, until they are ultimately brought down by their own greed and corruption. Throughout the story, Bierce employs a dark and satirical tone, using humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of political corruption. The characters are portrayed as caricatures, exaggerated for comedic effect, but also serving to emphasize the dangers of unchecked ambition. Overall, The Politicians is a thought-provoking and entertaining short story that offers a scathing critique of political corruption and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1879 · Genre: Political Satire, Humor, Non-fiction · 266 words
First lines
An Old Politician and a Young Politician were travelling through a beautiful country, by the dusty highway which leads to the City of
Prosperous Obscurity. Lured by the flowers and the shade and charmed by the songs of birds which invited to woodland paths and green fields, his imagination fired by glimpses of golden domes and glittering palaces in the distance on either hand, the Young Politician said:
What this Textopian page supports
The Politicians is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1879 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: 1879 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Satire, Humor, Non-fiction
- Length: 266 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Politicians 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 Politicians?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Politician by Ambrose Bierce
- The Game Of Politics by Ambrose Bierce
- Two Politicians by Ambrose Bierce
- The Statesmen by Ambrose Bierce
- The Politicians And The Plunder by Ambrose Bierce
- One President by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Political Satire — The book is a satirical critique of politicians and their behavior.
- Humor — The facetious observations on politicians and their actions inject an element of humor.
- Non-fiction — The content is based on real-life politicians and political systems, despite its satirical overlay.
Tags
political satire · fiction · short stories · humor · irony · cynicism · government · corruption · power · greed · ambition · betrayal