Ambrose Bierce was an American journalist and short-story
writer who was born on 24th of June 1842. He disappeared in late 1913 or early
1914 after visiting some of the battlefields he fought at in his youth. He
wrote fictional stories detailing his experiences of war.
Bierce displays throughout his stories the idea of country
first, family second, history third. The soldiers are very patriotic and
through this they make decisions that affect their families in negative ways.
This is because they believe in the greater nation and the side for which
they are fighting. When a big battle is fought, the think only in the
moment and do not think of national or personal futures. Emphasising the
need for survival, this idea conveys the ways in which people will act for
something they believe in and also to survive. The desperate actions present
a grim picture of the war.
Each story is conveyed through the point of view of a Union
soldier. This is significant as he himself fought on behalf of the Union States
and he was greatly affected by the War. His stories appear to promote the
Union side. His purpose therefore, appears to be to propagate the ideals of the
Union government and give glory to the states, as well as the fallen soldiers.
These purposes are ironic, as Bierce was a cynic and appeared sceptical towards
society as a whole. The following definitions emphasise the cynical nature
of Bierce:
"Battle, n. A method of untying with the teeth a
political knot that would not yield to the tongue."[1]
"Government, n. A modern Chronos who devours his own
children. The priest-hood are charged with the duty of preparing them for his
tooth."[2]
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