The Taken Hand by Ambrose Bierce
The Taken Hand by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of fate, destiny, and the consequences of one's actions. The narrator, a man who has been given a mysterious gift, is tasked with delivering a package to a woman he has never met. As he sets out on his journey, he encounters various obstacles and challenges that test his resolve and push him to confront his own beliefs about the nature of reality. In this story, Bierce employs a unique narrative structure, alternating between the present moment and flashbacks of the narrator's past experiences. This creates a sense of tension and uncertainty, as the reader is left wondering what will happen to the narrator and how his journey will unfold. Throughout the story, Bierce also explores themes of morality and ethics, raising questions about the nature of right and wrong and the consequences of one's actions. The narrator's encounters with various characters, including a mysterious woman who may or may not be real, serve to challenge his beliefs and force him to confront his own mortality. Overall, The Taken Hand is a thought-provoking and engaging story that explores the complexities of human nature and the mysteries of existence. Its unique narrative structure and thematic explorations make it a compelling read for fans of short fiction and literary analysis alike.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1877 · Genre: Short Stories, Horror, mystery · 117 words
First lines
A Successful Man of Business, having occasion to write to a Thief, expressed a wish to see him and shake hands.
"No," replied the Thief, "there are some things which I will not take -- among them your hand."
"You must use a little strategy," said a Philosopher to whom the
Successful Man of Business had reported the Thief's haughty reply. "Leave your hand out some night, and he will take it."
What this Textopian page supports
The Taken Hand is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1877 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: 1877 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Stories, Horror, mystery, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 117 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Taken Hand 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 Taken Hand?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Stories first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Short Stories — Bierce's works are typically short stories with tight plot and intense messages.
- Horror — Bierce's works often involve chilling elements and instances of fear or dread, which are typical in horror genre.
- mystery — Many of Bierce's stories involve unsolved circumstances or events, making mystery a fitting genre.
- Literary Fiction — Bierce's sophisticated writing style and thematic complexities align with elements of literary fiction.
Tags
gothic fiction · supernatural horror · mystery · thriller · psychological horror · suspense · literary fiction · american literature · short story collection · classic horror · ghost story · haunting