The "Viduate Dame" by Ambrose Bierce
The "VIDUATE DAME" by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of identity, perception, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. The narrator, a man who has been blinded in battle, is visited by a mysterious woman who claims to be his wife. However, he soon realizes that she is not his wife but rather a "viduate dame," or a woman who has taken on the identity of someone else. The story raises questions about the nature of identity and how it can be manipulated and distorted through various means, including deception and hallucination. Bierce's use of irony and satire adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the absurdity of a society that values appearances over reality. Overall, "The 'VIDUATE DAME'" is a thought-provoking and unsettling tale that challenges readers to question their assumptions about identity and reality.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1899 · Genre: Satire, Short stories, Fiction · 179 words
First lines
'Tis the widow of Thomas Blythe, And she goeth upon the spree, And red are cheeks of the bystanders For her acts are light and free.
In a seven-ounce costume The widow of Thomas Blythe, Y-perched high on the window ledge, The difficult can-can tryeth.
Ten constables they essay To bate the dame's halloing.
With the widow of Thomas Blythe Their hands are overflowing,
What this Textopian page supports
The "Viduate Dame" is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short stories, Fiction, American Literature
- Length: 179 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The "Viduate Dame" 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 "Viduate Dame"?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- An Enemy To Law And Order by Ambrose Bierce
- Not Guilty by Ambrose Bierce
- To My Liars by Ambrose Bierce
- Election Day by Ambrose Bierce
- The Prerogative Of Might by Ambrose Bierce
- The Case Of Mr Loftus Deacon by Arthur Morrison
Genres
- Satire — The story satirizes society's norms and morality, a common theme in Bierce's works.
- Short stories — The book is composed of several short stories, typical of Bierce's style of writing.
- Fiction — The stories are fabricated and imaginative, making it fiction.
- American Literature — Written by American author Ambrose Bierce, it falls under American Literature.
Tags
thriller · mystery · detective · crime · violence · justice · vigilantism · revenge · corruption · greed · power · betrayal