Jug of syrup

by Ambrose Bierce

Silas Deemer died on the 16th day of July, 1863, and two days later his remains were buried.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories

6 pages, ebook

First published December 17, 1893

About the author

died perhaps 1914

Caustic wit and a strong sense of horror mark works, including In the Midst of Life (1891-1892) and The Devil's Dictionary (1906), of American writer Ambrose Gwinett Bierce.

People today best know this editorialist, journalist, and fabulist for his short story, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and his lexicon.

The informative sardonic view of human nature alongside his vehemence as a critic with his motto, "nothing matters," earned him the nickname "Bitter Bierce."

People knew Bierce despite his reputation as a searing critic, however, to encourage younger poet George Sterling and fiction author W.C. Morrow.

Bierce employed a distinctive style especially in his stories. This style often embraces an abrupt beginning, dark imagery, vague references to time, limited descriptions, the theme of war, and impossible events.

Bierce disappeared in December 1913 at the age of 71 years. People think that he traveled to Mexico to gain a firsthand perspective on ongoing revolution of that country.

Theories abound on a mystery, ultimate fate of Bierce. He in one of his final letters stated: "Good-bye. If you hear of my being stood up against a Mexican stone wall and shot to rags, please know that I think it is a pretty good way to depart this life. It beats old age, disease, or falling down the cellar stairs. To be a Gringo in Mexico--ah, that is euthanasia!"

Reviews

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things get a bit sticky in this story.

[K. Anna Kraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have arranged my takeaway thoughts into a haiku:

"Like a residue,
Embarrassment lingers in
Hysteria's wake."

[Forked Radish · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He had not the leisure to be dead."

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A jug of sirup – “Doubtless the phenomenon was subjective.” Another cool tale

[jeric · Rating 3 out of 5]

creeped me out a bit ngl

[Pokotilo · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/10

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raised to 3.75 stars.

[Divia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silas Deemer must have been a workaholic because he still went on to sell a jug of sirup even after his death.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous tale about a man who is so wedded to his job that not even death can keep him from it. Who among us hasn't known someone like that? Audible edition narrated by Anthony Heald. This can be found in Can Such Things Be?

[Bibliophileverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you see a dead person but could not realise that he is dead?