With Mine Own Petard by Ambrose Bierce
"WITH MINE OWN PETARD" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1897. The story follows a man who, after being wronged by his business partner, seeks revenge by using the very same tactics that were used against him. As he becomes more and more embroiled in his scheme, the protagonist begins to realize the destructive nature of his actions and the consequences they may have on himself and those around him. The story is a commentary on the cycle of violence and the importance of ethical behavior in business and personal relationships.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1898 · Genre: Fiction, Satire, Historical Fiction · 465 words
First lines
Time was the local poets sang their songs / Beneath their breath in terror of the thongs / I snapped about their shins. Though mild the stroke / Bards, like the conies, are "a feeble folk," / Fearing all noises but the one they make / Themselves -- at which all other mortals quake.
Now from their cracked and disobedient throats, / Like rats from sewers scampering, their notes / Pour forth to move, where'er the season serves, / If not our legs to dance, at least our nerves; / As once a ram's-horn solo maddened all / The sober-minded stones in Jerich's wall.
A year's exemption from the critic's curse / Mends the bard's courage but impairs his verse.
What this Textopian page supports
With Mine Own Petard is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Satire, Historical Fiction, Absurdist Fiction
- Length: 465 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for With Mine Own Petard 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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Similar titles
- The Yearly Lie by Ambrose Bierce
- A Revivalist Revived by Ambrose Bierce
- An Inadequate Fee by Ambrose Bierce
- The Penitent Elector by Ambrose Bierce
- The Cynics Bequest by Ambrose Bierce
- A Word To The Unwise by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fiction — Ambrose Bierce is known primarily for his work as a fiction writer especially works of satire and absurdity. Given these characteristics of Bierce's writings, the work can be considered part of the broader Fiction genre.
- Satire — Much of Bierce's work is noted for its satirical tone that critique a variety of societal norms and institutions. Assuming this work continues those methods, it is likely part of the Satire genre.
- Historical Fiction — Given Bierce's known for writing works centered around historical events like the American Civil War, the book may implement historic context in its narrative, therefore it may fall under the Historical Fiction genre.
- Absurdist Fiction — Bierce often plays with absurd and bizarre elements in his writing. If 'With Mine Own Petard' utilizes such elements in its storyline or characterizations, it could be considered Absurdist Fiction.
Tags
dark humor · satire · irony · literary fiction · short story · American literature · classic · victorian era · gothic · supernatural · mystery · thriller