The Various Delegation
The Various Delegation by Ambrose Bierce is a collection of short stories that explore themes of power, corruption, and the human condition. The book is known for its dark humor and satire, as well as its exploration of the absurdity of politics and bureaucracy. Can you tell me more about what you would like to know about this book?
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1893 · Genre: Satire, Short Story, Horror · 227 words
First lines
The King of Wideout having been offered the sovereignty of Wayoff, sent for the Three Persons who had made the offer, and said to them:
"I am extremely obliged to you, but before accepting so great a responsibility I must ascertain the sentiments of the people of Wayoff."
"Sire," said the Spokesman of the Three Persons, "they stand before you."
"Indeed!" said the King; "are you, then, the people of Wayoff?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Various Delegation is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Story, Horror, War Literature
- Length: 227 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Various Delegation 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 Various Delegation?
- 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
- Ignis Fatuus by Ambrose Bierce
- The Gates Ajar by Ambrose Bierce
- A Mass Meeting by Ambrose Bierce
- Codex Honoris by Ambrose Bierce
- The Division Superintendent by Ambrose Bierce
- In Contumaciam by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — most of Ambrose Bierce's works, involve satire to critique societal issues of his time
- Short Story — a number of Bierce's works were composed as short stories
- Horror — Bierce often includes elements of horror and suspense in his stories
- War Literature — elements of war are often present in Bierce’s writings, likely stemming from his own experiences in the Civil War
Tags
horror · fiction · gothic · supernatural · mystery · thriller · suspense · paranormal · psychological · literary · classic · american