The Damned Thing
Ambrose Bierce
Belletristik/Erzählende Literatur
Beschreibung
"The Damned Thing" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. It's a classic of American horror fiction and is known for its unsettling atmosphere and innovative narrative style.
The story follows a group of men who gather at a coroner's inquest to investigate the mysterious death of Hugh Morgan, a hunter who was found dead in the woods. As the witnesses give their testimonies, they describe encountering an unseen and inexplicable force that seemed to attack Morgan, ultimately leading to his demise.
Through the testimonies of the witnesses and the observations of the coroner, the reader learns of the existence of the "damned thing," an invisible creature that lurks in the wilderness and preys upon unsuspecting victims. Despite the efforts of the men to understand and confront the creature, they are ultimately left with more questions than answers.
"The Damned Thing" is celebrated for its innovative narrative structure, which combines elements of mystery, horror, and psychological suspense. It's considered one of Bierce's most enduring works and remains a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of the unknown and the unknowable.
