Uncalculating Zeal by Ambrose Bierce
Uncalculating Zeal is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1891. The story follows the journey of a man named John Honeywood, who becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman he meets at a party. Despite his initial reluctance, Honeywood finds himself drawn into a world of intrigue and deception as he tries to uncover the truth about the woman's identity and her motives. As Honeywood delves deeper into the mystery, he becomes increasingly detached from reality, losing touch with his own emotions and motivations. The story explores themes of obsession, paranoia, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction. Ultimately, Bierce leaves readers with a sense of unease and uncertainty, as Honeywood's quest for answers leads him down a dangerous and unpredictable path.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1895 · Genre: Historical fiction, Satire, Psychological Fiction · 229 words
First lines
A Man-Eating tiger was ravaging the Kingdom of Damnasia, and the King, greatly concerned for the lives and limbs of his Royal subjects, promised his daughter Zodroulra to any man who would kill the animal. After some days Camaraladdin appeared before the King and claimed the reward.
"But where is the tiger?" the King asked.
"May jackasses sing above my uncle's grave," replied Camaraladdin, "if I
dared go within a league of him!"
What this Textopian page supports
Uncalculating Zeal is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical fiction, Satire, Psychological Fiction, War Stories
- Length: 229 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Uncalculating Zeal by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Uncalculating Zeal?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Lifted Finger by Ambrose Bierce
- The Scurril Press by Ambrose Bierce
- To Nanine by Ambrose Bierce
- A Smiling Idol by Ambrose Bierce
- An Unfinished Race by Ambrose Bierce
- Tidings Of Good by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Historical fiction — Ambrose Bierce is known for his historical writings, often drawing from his experiences in the Civil War. The supposed themes related to 'zeal' and 'uncalculating' could suggest a historical or war context.
- Satire — Bierce's writing commonly incorporates satirical elements. The combination of 'uncalculating' and 'zeal' could hint towards the critique of an overly enthusiastic or somewhat reckless character or society.
- Psychological Fiction — Bierce's stories often delve into the character's psyche with great detail, and the term 'uncalculating' suggests decisions made without thought, which could lead to mental and emotional consequences.
- War Stories — The title's terms can suggest military strategy or a soldier's impulsiveness, which could align with Bierce's known Civil War-themed works.
Tags
gothic fiction · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · psychological · suspense · literary fiction · american literature · 19th century literature · short stories · anthology