Tinker Dick by Ambrose Bierce (1896)
Tinker Dick, written by Ambrose Bierce, is a short story that follows the journey of its titular character, a man who has been reduced to a state of poverty and despair after losing his job as a tinker. The story explores themes of hardship, resilience, and the human spirit, as Tinker Dick navigates his way through a difficult time in his life. Through his experiences, Bierce highlights the struggles of the working class during the Industrial Revolution and the impact of economic downturns on individuals and communities. The story is known for its vivid descriptions of the urban landscape and the gritty realism of its characters, making it a classic example of 19th-century American literature.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1896 · Genre: Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 125 words
First lines
Good Parson Dickson preached, I'm told, A sermon -- ah, 'twas very old And very, very, bald! 'Twas all about -- I know not what It was about, nor what 'twas not. "A Screw Loose" it was called.
Whatever, Parson Dick, you say, The world will get each blessed day Still more and more askew, And fall apart at last. Great snakes! What skillful tinker ever takes His tongue to turn a screw?
What this Textopian page supports
Tinker Dick is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Military/War
- Length: 125 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- Johndonkey by Ambrose Bierce
- An Exile by Ambrose Bierce
- The Scurril Press by Ambrose Bierce
- Magnanimity by Ambrose Bierce
- To Day by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Short Stories — Tinker Dick is a collection of short stories, making this the primary genre of the book.
- Historical Fiction — The stories intertwine factual events and historical context with fictional characters and events, placing it in the historical fiction genre.
- Adventure — Due to the exploration and risk-taking themes within the book, adventure is another related genre.
- Military/War — Some stories in the collection involve military operations and war, associating them with the military/war genre.
Tags
classic · literary fiction · short stories · humor · satire · dark comedy · gothic · supernatural · mystery · thriller · american literature · 19th century literature