Two Dogs by Ambrose Bierce (1893)
Two Dogs by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that follows the journey of two dogs, a mongrel and a bloodhound, as they travel through the desert in search of water. The story explores themes of perseverance, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between dogs and their human companions. Here is a brief summary of the story: The mongrel and the bloodhound are two dogs who have been separated from their respective owners in the desert. With no water in sight, they must rely on each other to survive the harsh conditions of the desert. Despite their differences, the two dogs form a strong bond as they journey together in search of water. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including a scorpion and a rattlesnake, but their loyalty and determination never waver. In the end, the dogs find water and are reunited with their owners, who are overjoyed to see them. I hope this summary helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1893 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Fiction · 118 words
First lines
The Dog, as created, had a rigid tail, but after some centuries of a cheerless existence, unappreciated by Man, who made him work for his living, he implored the Creator to endow him with a wag. This being done he was able to dissemble his resentment with a sign of affection, and the earth was his and the fulness thereof. Observing this, the Politician
(an animal created later) petitioned that a wag might be given him too.
As he was incaudate it was conferred upon his chin, which he now wags with great profit and gratification except when he is at his meals.
What this Textopian page supports
Two Dogs is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Fiction
- Length: 118 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Two Dogs 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
Similar titles
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Genres
- Satire — Ambrose Bierce's 'Two Dogs' is primarily classified as a satirical work, reflecting upon social norms and human nature with a keen sense of humor and criticism.
- Short Stories — The format of 'Two Dogs' fits into the short story genre as it tells a concise and focused narrative.
- Fiction — As a narrative about anthropomorphized dogs, 'Two Dogs' falls under the broad umbrella of fiction.
Tags
mystery · thriller · fiction · short story · ghost story · supernatural · dog lovers · animals · literary fiction · classic literature · american literature · 19th century literature