The Saint and the Monk
The Saint and the Monk by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of morality, religion, and the nature of good and evil. The story follows a saint who is known for his kindness and compassion, and a monk who is devoted to his faith. One day, the saint encounters the monk in a remote location and offers him food and shelter. However, the monk refuses the offer, citing his belief that it is wrong to accept charity from someone who has not earned it through their own efforts. The saint is taken aback by the monk's response and tries to reason with him, but the monk remains unmoved. The story ends with the saint realizing that he has learned a valuable lesson about the nature of good and evil, and the importance of compassion and empathy. Overall, The Saint and the Monk is a thought-provoking tale that challenges readers to question their own beliefs and values.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1896 · Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy · 479 words
First lines
Saint Peter at the gate of Heaven displayed The tools and terrors of his awful trade; The key, the frown as pitiless as night, That slays intending trespassers at sight, And, at his side in easy reach, the curled Interrogation points all ready to be hurled.
Straight up the shining cloudway (it so chanced No others were about) a soul advanced -- A fat, orbicular and jolly soul With laughter-lines upon each rosy jowl -- A monk so prepossessing that the saint Admired him, breathless, until weak and faint, Forgot his frown and all his questions too, Forgoing even the customary "Who?" -- Threw wide the gate and, with a friendly grin, Said, "Tis a very humble home, but pray walk in."
What this Textopian page supports
The Saint and the Monk is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
- Length: 479 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Saint and the Monk 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 Saint and the Monk?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- An Inflated Ambition by Ambrose Bierce
- Philosophers Three by Ambrose Bierce
- A Promised Fast Train by Ambrose Bierce
- A Controversialist by Ambrose Bierce
- Disavowal by Ambrose Bierce
- Contentment by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fiction — While book details are unavailable, most of Bierce's works fall into the fiction genre.
- Historical Fiction — Given Bierce's writing style and his other works, it is possible 'THE SAINT AND THE MONK' could fit into the historical fiction genre.
- Fantasy — Considering the title and the prolific nature of his evocative fiction, it's plausible that this novel could incorporate elements of fantasy.
- Horror — Bierce's other works often contain elements of horror, and it's plausible that 'THE SAINT AND THE MONK' could as well.
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · fantasy · mystery · thriller · suspense · psychological · literary · classic · american · short-story