The Yearly Lie by Ambrose Bierce
The Yearly Lie by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the theme of truth and deception. The narrator, a man named Jones, discovers that his wife has been lying to him for an entire year about her whereabouts during the day. As he investigates further, he realizes that his wife's lies are not just limited to one day, but have been ongoing throughout the year. The story raises questions about the nature of truth and how it can be manipulated through deception. It also highlights the idea that people often believe what they want to believe, rather than facing uncomfortable realities. In conclusion, The Yearly Lie is a thought-provoking tale that challenges readers to think critically about the nature of truth and how it can be distorted through lies.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1891 · Genre: Satire, Fiction, Short Story · 313 words
First lines
A merry Christmas? Prudent, as I live! -- You wish me something that you need not give.
Merry or sad, what does it signify? To you 't is equal if I laugh, or die.
What this Textopian page supports
The Yearly Lie is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Fiction, Short Story, Humor
- Length: 313 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Yearly Lie 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 Yearly Lie?
- 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
- His Fly Speck Majesty by Ambrose Bierce
- The Writer And The Tramps by Ambrose Bierce
- Mendax by Ambrose Bierce
- The Honest Cadi by Ambrose Bierce
- For A Certain Critic by Ambrose Bierce
- Oil Of Dog by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is known for his satirical writing style and biting social commentary, which would likely extend to 'THE YEARLY LIE'.
- Fiction — As 'THE YEARLY LIE' is a story created by Bierce, it would fall under the broader category of fiction.
- Short Story — Bierce is renowned for his short stories, thus it's plausible that 'THE YEARLY LIE' is a short story.
- Humor — Bierce's works often contain elements of humor, even when tackling serious themes, hence 'THE YEARLY LIE' could likely contain humor.
Tags
dark humor · satire · fiction · short story · American literature · gothic · supernatural · mystery · thriller · psychological · social commentary · political satire