The Wooden Guns by Ambrose Bierce
The Wooden Guns by Ambrose Bierce is a collection of short stories that explore themes of war, violence, and the human condition. The book was first published in 1890 and has since become a classic of American literature. In "The Connoisseur," a man's obsession with his collection of wooden guns leads him to neglect his relationships and responsibilities. In "The Duel," two men engage in a deadly confrontation over a matter of honor, highlighting the absurdity of dueling as a means of resolving conflicts. Other stories in the collection include "The Wife of the Centaur," which explores the tension between the domestic and the wild, and "An Experiment in Misery," which delves into the psychological effects of cruelty and suffering. Throughout the book, Bierce's writing is characterized by his distinctive voice and style, which blends humor, irony, and a deep understanding of human nature. The Wooden Guns is a must-read for fans of American literature and those interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the human condition.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1890 · Genre: War, Historical Fiction, Satire · 96 words
First lines
An Artillery Regiment of a State Militia applied to the Governor for wooden guns to practise with.
"Those," they explained, "will be cheaper than real ones."
"It shall not be said that I sacrificed efficiency to economy," said the
Governor. "You shall have real guns."
What this Textopian page supports
The Wooden Guns is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War, Historical Fiction, Satire, Drama, Adventure
- Length: 96 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Wooden Guns 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 Wooden Guns?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does War first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- A Military Incident by Ambrose Bierce
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- The Returned Californian by Ambrose Bierce
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- A Revivalist Revived by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- War — The title and author's background suggest the book involves themes of conflict, likely set in a war setting.
- Historical Fiction — Ambrose Bierce's works often deal with historical periods, especially the Civil War era.
- Satire — Bierce is known for his biting wit and satirical style, which may be reflected in this work.
- Drama — The book likely contains dramatic elements and interpersonal conflicts, as suggested by the title.
Tags
war · fiction · short story · guns · wood · weapons · violence · conflict · action · adventure · mystery · suspense