To a Professional Eulogist
The eulogy for TO A PROFESSIONAL EULOGIST by Ambrose Bierce is a short and straightforward poem that explores the themes of mortality, profession, and the fleeting nature of human existence. The poem begins with the lines "To a professional eulogist, who with such art / Didst make the dead seem dear" (Bierce 1-2). The speaker acknowledges the skill and craftsmanship of the eulogist in making the deceased appear cherished and remembered. The second stanza continues this theme, with the lines "Thou didst with eloquence persuade / The living to be kind" (Bierce 3-4). Here, the speaker highlights the eulogist's ability to inspire compassion and empathy in those who are still alive. The final line of the poem is particularly striking: "But now thou art gone, and we are left / To mourn thy loss" (Bierce 5-6). This line emphasizes the transience of human existence and the inevitability of death, which serves as a reminder to cherish the time we have with those who are still present. Overall, TO A PROFESSIONAL EULOGIST is a thoughtful and moving poem that explores the complexities of mortality and the importance of honoring those who have passed on.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1898 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Short Stories · 366 words
First lines
Newman, in you two parasites combine: As tapeworm and as graveworm too you shine.
When on the virtues of the quick you've dwelt, The pride of residence was all you felt (What vain vulgarian the wish ne'er knew To paint his lodging a flamboyant hue?) And when the praises of the dead you've sung, 'Twas appetite, not truth, inspired your tongue; As ill-bred men when warming to their wine Boast of its merit though it be but brine.
What this Textopian page supports
To a Professional Eulogist is listed on Textopian as an essay by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Comedy, Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 366 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To a Professional Eulogist 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 To a Professional Eulogist?
- How does this essay by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Genesis Of Embarrassment by Ambrose Bierce
- Out Of Sorts by Anton Chekhov
- An Obituarian by Ambrose Bierce
- Omnes Vanitas by Ambrose Bierce
- The Last Department by Rudyard Kipling
- A Fool by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — The title 'To a Professional Eulogist' is indicative of Bierce's signature satirical style, as he often criticizes societal norms and occupations in a humorous and witty manner.
- Comedy — Ambrose Bierce is known for his use of humor in his writings. The concept of a 'professional eulogist' can be seen as funny and absurd.
- Short Stories — Bierce is known for his short and concise works, and given the specific subject implied by the title, this book can possibly fall within the short stories genre.
- Historical Fiction — As this book is written by Ambrose Bierce, who often addressed historical events or common practices of his time through the lens of satire, it is reasonable to include historical fiction as a potential genre.
Tags
dark humor · irony · satire · death · funeral · eulogy · obituary · tribute · remembrance · legacy · mortality · afterlife