To One Detested by Ambrose Bierce
TO ONE DETESTED by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of love, loss, and regret. The narrator, who is unnamed, reflects on his past relationship with a woman named Claire, whom he loved deeply but could not be with due to societal expectations and limitations. Despite their separation, the narrator cannot shake off his feelings for Claire, and the story ends with him expressing his longing and regret for what could have been. The language used is simple yet powerful, with Bierce employing vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the narrator's emotions. Overall, TO ONE DETESTED is a poignant and thought-provoking tale that explores the complexities of human emotion and the challenges of navigating societal norms.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1898 · Genre: Historical, Satire, Drama · 204 words
First lines
Sir, you're a veteran, revealed In history and fable As warrior since you took the field, Defeating Abel.
As Commissary later (or If not, in every cottage The tale is) you contracted for A mess of pottage.
In civil life you were, we read (And our respect increases) A man of peace -- a man, indeed, Of thirty pieces.
To paying taxes when you turned Your mind, or what you call so, A wide celebrity you earned -- Saphira also.
What this Textopian page supports
To One Detested 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: Historical, Satire, Drama, Epistolary, War
- Length: 204 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To One Detested 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 One Detested?
- How does this essay by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Historical — The book was written in the late 19th century and is set during the Civil War, reflecting historical events and conditions of that era.
- Satire — Bierce is known for his biting wit and satirical style, both of which are present in this book.
- Drama — The book contains significant dramatic elements, including conflict, tension, and high stakes.
- Epistolary — The book is written in the form of a letter, a characteristic of the epistolary genre.
Tags
mystery · thriller · horror · gothic · supernatural · psychological · suspense · detective · crime · noir · dark · twisty