Wasted Sweets is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce in 1890. The story follows the life of a young girl named Lily who lives with her mother and stepfather in a small town. Lily's stepfather, Mr. Harkaway, is a cruel and abusive man who treats her poorly. One day, while out picking wildflowers, Lily finds a beehive and is stung on the hand. Her stepfather refuses to help her, leaving her in pain and suffering. As Lily's condition worsens, she becomes delirious and begins to hallucinate. She sees visions of her dead father, who comforts and protects her from the cruelty of her stepfather. Eventually, Lily dies from the bee sting, surrounded by her hallucinations of her father. The story is a commentary on the cruelty and abuse that women often face in society, as well as the powerlessness of individuals to escape their circumstances. Bierce's use of symbolism, such as the beehive and the wildflowers, adds depth and meaning to the narrative, highlighting the beauty and fragility of life.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1872 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Historical