The Tyrant Frog by Ambrose Bierce
A satirical tale of a frog who becomes a tyrant after discovering he has the power to control the weather.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1898 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 92 words
First lines
A Snake swallowing a frog head-first was approached by a Naturalist with a stick.
"Ah, my deliverer," said the Snake as well as he could, "you have arrived just in time; this reptile, you see, is pitching into me without provocation."
"Sir," replied the Naturalist, "I need a snakeskin for my collection, but if you had not explained I should not have interrupted you, for I thought you were at dinner."
What this Textopian page supports
The Tyrant Frog is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Political, Comedy
- Length: 92 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Tyrant Frog 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 Tyrant Frog?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Royal Jester by Ambrose Bierce
- The Free Traders Lament by Ambrose Bierce
- His Fly Speck Majesty by Ambrose Bierce
- The Catted Anarchist by Ambrose Bierce
- The Cat And The King by Ambrose Bierce
- A Fish Commissioner by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Science Fiction — The title suggests a fantastical scenario unlikely to occur in reality, fitting the criteria for science fiction.
- Fantasy — The concept of a 'Tyrant Frog' suggests something out of the ordinary, therefore falling under the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The title may suggest a conflict or a struggle, outlining a potential adventure.
- Political — The use of the word 'Tyrant' might hint towards a political commentary, thus categorizing it under the political genre.
Tags
fiction · short story · humor · satire · absurdity · surrealism · animals · anthropomorphism · political satire · social commentary · dark comedy · grotesque