Two Statesmen by Ambrose Bierce
"TWO STATESMEN" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, published in 1879. The story follows two politicians, Senator Rice and Representative Morton, who are known for their rivalry and disagreements. Despite their differences, they are both invited to a remote mountain cabin for a weekend retreat, where they engage in heated debates and discussions on various political issues. As the weekend progresses, tensions rise and the two men find themselves at odds over everything from tariffs to temperance. In the end, their disagreements culminate in a violent confrontation that leaves one of them dead. The story explores the darker side of politics and the personal costs of ideological differences.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1879 · Genre: Biography, Historical, Non-Fiction · 509 words
First lines
In that fair city by the inland sea, Where Blaine unhived his Presidential bee, Frank Pixley's meeting with George Gorham sing, Celestial muse, and what events did spring From the encounter of those mighty sons Of thunder, and of slaughter, and of guns.
Great Gorham first, his yearning tooth to sate And give him stomach for the day's debate, Entering a restaurant, with eager mien, Demands an ounce of bacon and a bean.
What this Textopian page supports
Two Statesmen is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1879 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: 1879 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Historical, Non-Fiction, Political
- Length: 509 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Two Statesmen by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Two Statesmen?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Biography first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- One President by Ambrose Bierce
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Genres
- Biography — As it provides a comprehensive view of the lives of two statesmen, it falls under a biographical genre.
- Historical — The book is based on two historical figures making it a historical genre.
- Non-Fiction — Since the book tells the accurate information about two statesmen, it can be categorized under non-fiction.
- Political — The discussion of statesmanship implies a political genre.
Tags
political satire · government corruption · power struggle · ambition · betrayal · deception · mystery · thriller · historical fiction · 19th century · American literature · short story