The Statesman and the Horse
In this short story, a statesman is traveling on horseback when he comes across a talking horse. The horse explains that it has been watching the statesman for some time and has come to the conclusion that politicians are all the same, regardless of their political affiliation. The horse argues that they are all selfish, power-hungry, and more concerned with their own interests than those of the people they are supposed to serve. The statesman is taken aback by the horse's words and realizes that he has been guilty of the same behavior himself. He vows to change his ways and become a better leader for the people.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1879 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Political · 191 words
First lines
A Statesman who had saved his country was returning from Washington on foot, when he met a Race Horse going at full speed, and stopped it.
"Turn about and travel the other way," said the Statesman, "and I will keep you company as far as my home. The advantages of travelling together are obvious."
"I cannot do that," said the Race Horse; "I am following my master to
Washington. I did not go fast enough to suit him, and he has gone on ahead."
What this Textopian page supports
The Statesman and the Horse 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: Satire, Short Stories, Political, Historical fiction, Fable
- Length: 191 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Statesman and the Horse 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 Statesman and the Horse?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Belly And The Members by Ambrose Bierce
- The Oleomargarine Man by Ambrose Bierce
- The Shafter Shafted by Ambrose Bierce
- The Self Made Monkey by Ambrose Bierce
- The Yearly Lie by Ambrose Bierce
- The Royal Jester by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is known for his biting wit and satirical writing style, often highlighting the absurdities of politics and society.
- Short Stories — Bierce’s work most commonly takes the form of brief, witty, and sharp tales.
- Political — The title suggests that the book involves a 'statesman', implying political themes.
- Historical fiction — As Bierce's works often revolve around historical settings, this book is likely to contain some elements of historical fiction.
Tags
political satire · fable · allegory · humor · irony · parody · critique of politics · animal characters · absurdity · surrealism · satire · social commentary