The Sunset Gun by Ambrose Bierce
The Sunset Gun is a novella written by Ambrose Bierce in 1878. It tells the story of an aging gunslinger named Judge Roswell Smith, who has lived a life of violence and bloodshed. As he approaches the end of his life, he reflects on his past actions and the consequences they had on those around him. The novella explores themes of regret, redemption, and the American West.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1878 · Genre: Poetry, War, Existential · 246 words
First lines
Off Santa Cruz the western wave Was crimson as with blood: The sun was sinking to his grave Beneath that angry flood.
Sir Walter Turnbull, brave and stout, Then shouted, "Ho! lads; run -- The powder and the ball bring out To fire the sunset gun.
"That punctual orb did ne'er omit To keep, by land or sea, Its every engagement; it Shall never wait for me."
Behold the black-mouthed cannon stand, Ready with charge and prime, The lanyard in the gunner's hand.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sunset Gun is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1878 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: 1878 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War, Existential, Horror
- Length: 246 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sunset Gun 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 Sunset Gun?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- An Arrest by Ambrose Bierce
- Cain by Ambrose Bierce
- Detected by Ambrose Bierce
- Down Among The Dead Men by Ambrose Bierce
- Four Of A Kind by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Poetry — This book is a collection of poems, making the primary genre Poetry.
- War — Ambrose Bierce’s writings often draw upon his war experiences, a theme that permeates many pieces in the collection.
- Existential — Recurring themes of death and human existence mark this collection with an existential lens.
- Horror — Bierce's works are frequently marked by an oppressive sense of impending doom, fitting within the Horror genre.
Tags
mystery · thriller · detective · crime · noir · gothic · horror · supernatural · psychological · suspense · violence · death