To an Insolent Attorney
"The Devil's Dictionary" is a collection of humorous and satirical definitions of various words and phrases, written in a sarcastic and ironic tone. The book was first published in 1881 and has since become a classic of American literature. Each definition is accompanied by a brief anecdote or illustration, adding to the overall humor and wit of the work. Topics covered include politics, religion, social issues, and language itself, with Bierce offering his unique and often biting perspective on each subject. Overall, "The Devil's Dictionary" is a witty and insightful commentary on the human condition, sure to delight readers with its clever wordplay and satirical humor.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1870 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Short Stories · 752 words
First lines
So, Hall McAllister, you'll not be warned -- My protest slighted, admonition scorned! To save your scoundrel client from a cell As loth to swallow him as he to swell Its sum of meals insurgent (it decries All wars intestinal with meats that rise) You turn your scurril tongue against the press And damn the agency you ought to bless.
Had not the press with all its hundred eyes Discerned the wolf beneath the sheep's disguise And raised the cry upon him, he to-day Would lack your company, and you would lack his pay.
What this Textopian page supports
To an Insolent Attorney is listed on Textopian as an essay by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1870 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: 1870 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Humor, Short Stories, Fiction
- Length: 752 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To an Insolent Attorney by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering To an Insolent Attorney?
- 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
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- The Politician by Ambrose Bierce
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Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce is known for his biting wit and satirical writing style, mainly using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity.
- Humor — The title suggests a humorous tone addressing an arrogant lawyer, which is usually a common topic of humor literature.
- Short Stories — Bierce was known for his concise and forceful writing, often delivered in the form of short stories.
- Fiction — As an author, Ambrose Bierce is recognized for his fictional works, which involved elements of satire and social critique.
Tags
humor · satire · legal thriller · short story · irony · parody · law · justice · corruption · greed · ambition · power