Vice Versa by Ambrose Bierce (1882)
"VICE VERSA" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1890. The tale follows a man named Smith who, after being hanged for a crime he did not commit, finds himself in a strange and unfamiliar world where everything is reversed. In this upside-down world, Smith encounters bizarre creatures and people, including a talking dog and a woman who wears men's clothing. As he navigates this strange landscape, Smith begins to question his own identity and the nature of reality. The story explores themes of justice, morality, and the human condition, and is known for its clever use of language and unexpected plot twists.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1882 · Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Fiction · 275 words
First lines
Down in the state of Maine, the story goes, A woman, to secure a lapsing pension, Married a soldier -- though the good Lord knows That very common act scarce calls for mention.
What makes it worthy to be writ and read -- The man she married had been nine hours dead!
Now, marrying a corpse is not an act Familiar to our daily observation, And so I crave her pardon if the fact Suggests this interesting speculation: Should some mischance restore the man to life Would she be then a widow, or a wife?
What this Textopian page supports
Vice Versa is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Comedy, Fiction
- Length: 275 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Vice Versa by Ambrose Bierce
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Beyond The Wall by Ambrose Bierce
- Mr Sheets by Ambrose Bierce
- The Two Cavees by Ambrose Bierce
- The Psoriad by Ambrose Bierce
- A Ship And A Man by Ambrose Bierce
- Fate by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fantasy — The book involves a magical event that swaps the minds of a father and son.
- Comedy — The book provides many humorous situations following the swap.
- Fiction — The book is a work of imaginative narrative.
Tags
gothic · horror · fantasy · supernatural · mystery · thriller · suspense · literary fiction · classic · american literature · short stories · surrealism