To Maude by Ambrose Bierce (1890)

Name: To Maude
Author: Ambrose Bierce

"TO MAUDE" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1899. The story follows the character of Maude, who is described as a beautiful and wealthy young woman. However, despite her privileged life, Maude is unhappy and feels unfulfilled. She becomes obsessed with the idea of death and the afterlife, and eventually takes her own life in an attempt to escape the monotony of her existence. The story explores themes of existentialism, alienation, and the search for meaning in life.

By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1890 · Genre: Satire, Historical, Epistolary · 152 words

First lines

Not as two errant spheres together grind With monstrous ruin in the vast of space, Destruction born of that malign embrace, Their hapless peoples all to death consigned -- Not so when our intangible worlds of mind, Even mine and yours, each with its spirit race Of beings shadowy in form and face, Shall drift together on some blessed wind.

No, in that marriage of gloom and light All miracles of beauty shall be wrought, Attesting a diviner faith than man's; For all my sad-eyed daughters of the night Shall smile on your sweet seraphim of thought, Nor any jealous god forbid the banns.

What this Textopian page supports

To Maude is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
Author: Ambrose Bierce
Date: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Historical, Epistolary, Literary Fiction
Length: 152 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Satire — The book, written by Ambrose Bierce, is an illustrative piece of satirical work that uses humorous and ironic techniques to make comments on human nature.
Historical — The book offers perspectives on historical events and time periods, including references to the Civil War and its aftermath.
Epistolary — The book is composed of a series of documents such as letters, diary entries, and newspaper clippings, which is characteristic of the epistolary genre.
Literary Fiction — Given Ambrose Bierce's writing style, this book can be classified as literary fiction because of its focus on style, character development, and introspective themes.