Truth and the Traveller
Truth and the Traveller is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. The story follows a man who, after experiencing a series of strange events, comes to realize that truth is a journey rather than a destination. In this story, Bierce explores the idea that truth is not something that can be found or understood through simple reasoning or logic, but rather it is something that must be experienced and lived through. The protagonist's journey is a metaphor for the search for truth, which is often circuitous and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Through his use of vivid imagery and symbolism, Bierce creates a sense of mystery and intrigue that draws the reader into the story. The story's themes of truth, perception, and the nature of reality continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless classic in American literature.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1894 · Genre: Short Stories, Satire, Fantasy · 101 words
First lines
A Man travelling in a desert met a Woman.
"Who art thou?" asked the Man, "and why dost thou dwell in this dreadful place?"
"My name," replied the Woman, "is Truth; and I live in the desert in order to be near my worshippers when they are driven from among their fellows. They all come, sooner or later."
"Well," said the Man, looking about, "the country doesn't seem to be very thickly settled here."
What this Textopian page supports
Truth and the Traveller is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Stories, Satire, Fantasy, Horror
- Length: 101 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Truth and the Traveller 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 Truth and the Traveller?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Stories first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Disinterested Arbiter by Ambrose Bierce
- The Workman by Lord Dunsany
- Philosopher Bimm by Ambrose Bierce
- What We Have Come To by Lord Dunsany
- Genesis by Ambrose Bierce
- Graves And Goblins by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Genres
- Short Stories — The book 'Truth and the Traveller' is a collection of Bierce's brief and often satirical stories. Short Stories best describes the structure of the book itself, which is not a continuous narrative but a compilation of smaller, independent tales.
- Satire — Bierce is known for his biting wit and satire, and 'Truth and the Traveller' is no exception. Many of the stories in this collection employ irony and exaggerated situations to critique human nature and societal norms, thus fitting the Satire genre.
- Fantasy — Many stories in the book 'Truth and the Traveller' include fantastical elements such as unusual creatures, events, or settings. The genre of Fantasy accurately describes these otherworldly aspects of the book.
- Horror — Bierce's tales often involve elements of the macabre or grotesque, fitting into the Horror genre. This is evident in the grim and sometimes gruesome events that occur in many of the stories in 'Truth and the Traveller'.
Tags
Fiction · Short Stories · Travel · Adventure · Mystery · Detective · Humor · Satire · Irony · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · American Literature