A Horseman in the Sky by Ambrose Bierce (Intermediate)

Intermediate

story

In the autumn of 1861, during the tumultuous times of the Civil War, a young soldier named Carter Druse lay hidden in a thicket of laurel by the side of a winding road in western Virginia. The sun shone brightly, casting a golden glow over the rugged landscape, but Carter's heart was weighed down by the gravity of his duty.

Carter hailed from a wealthy family entrenched in the Confederate cause, but he had chosen to fight for the Union, a decision that tore his family apart. One fateful morning, he had stood resolute at the breakfast table and declared to his father, "Father, a Union regiment has arrived at Grafton. I am going to join it."

His father's face remained impassive, masking a whirlwind of emotions as he replied, "Well, go, sir, and whatever may occur, do what you conceive to be your duty." These words echoed in Carter's mind as he lay prone, his rifle loosely clasped in his hand, fighting to stay vigilant at his post.

Suddenly, as if by an unseen force, Carter awoke. Instinctively, he raised his head and peered through the dense foliage. There, on a high precipice, stood a solitary horseman, motionless and majestic against the azure sky. The figure was so striking that for a fleeting moment, Carter believed he was gazing upon a grand monument, a testament to some forgotten hero of a bygone era.

The horseman, clad in a gray uniform, sat erect and proud on his steed, the reins held firmly in his left hand, a carbine resting across the saddle pommel. The entire scene was etched with such clarity that it seemed carved from marble, every detail illuminated by the brilliant afternoon sun.

Carter's pulse quickened as he grasped the gravity of the situation. If this horseman discovered the hidden Union soldiers in the valley below, their entire stratagem would be jeopardized. Steeling himself, Carter brought the butt of his rifle to his cheek, aiming squarely at the horseman's chest. His finger hovered over the trigger, ready to fire, when the horseman turned and seemed to look directly at him.

In that heart-stopping moment, Carter was overwhelmed by a surge of conflicting emotions. "Is it then so terrible to kill an enemy in war?" he pondered. His hands shook, and he nearly let the rifle slip from his grasp. He recalled his father's parting words: "Do what you conceive to be your duty."

Resolute, Carter steadied his aim. He could not allow the horseman to escape with their secret. Yet, as he watched, he noticed movement below in the valley. A line of soldiers and horses was making its way to a stream for water, clearly visible from the cliff. It dawned on Carter that the horseman might not have detected them after all.

With renewed determination, Carter shifted his aim to the horse. "If I shoot the horse, the rider will fall, and our secret will remain safe," he reasoned. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly, steadied his hand, and fired.

The report of the rifle echoed through the valley. The horse reared up, then, as if in slow motion, both horse and rider plummeted over the edge of the precipice.

Meanwhile, at the base of the cliff, a Union officer exploring the area glanced up and witnessed an astonishing sight: a man on horseback appeared to be descending from the heavens! Overcome with amazement and trepidation, the officer collapsed to the ground, his mind reeling. When he looked again, the vision had vanished, leaving only the stillness of the forest.

The officer returned to camp, shaken to his core. When his commander inquired if he had gleaned any useful intelligence, the officer replied, "Yes, sir; there is no road leading down into this valley from the southward." The commander, well aware of the terrain, merely smiled.

After firing his shot, Carter reloaded his rifle and resumed his watch. Moments later, a sergeant stealthily approached him and whispered, "Did you fire?"

"Yes," Carter replied quietly.

"At what?"

"A horse. It was standing on yonder rock—pretty far out. You see, it is no longer there. It went over the cliff."

The sergeant's face turned ashen. "Was there anybody on the horse?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Well?"

"My father."

The sergeant rose to his feet, visibly shaken, and walked away, muttering, "Good God!"

Carter remained at his post, his heart heavy with sorrow yet steadfast in his resolve. He had made an excruciating choice, placing his duty above his personal anguish. And so, the legend of Carter Druse and the horseman in the sky was etched into the annals of history, a poignant reminder of the brutal and tragic choices faced during the Civil War.

The End.

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Words and Idioms

Study it with Flashcard

https://quizlet.com/kr/922306621/a-horseman-in-the-sky-by-ambrose-bierce-flash-cards/?i=3en6ue&x=1jqt

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autumn (noun) - the season between summer and winter

tumultuous (adjective) - marked by disorder and upheaval

soldier (noun) - a person who serves in an army

thicket (noun) - a dense group of bushes or trees

duty (noun) - a moral or legal obligation

wealthy (adjective) - having a lot of money and possessions

conflict (noun) - a serious disagreement or argument

Union (noun) - the northern states during the American Civil War

conceive (verb) - form or devise a plan or idea in the mind

rifle (noun) - a long-barreled gun designed to be fired from the shoulder

vigilant (adjective) - keeping careful watch for possible danger

precipice (noun) - a very steep rock face or cliff

majestic (adjective) - having or showing impressive beauty or dignity

azure (adjective) - bright blue in color like a cloudless sky

resolute (adjective) - admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering

stratagem (noun) - a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent

jeopardize (verb) - put someone or something into a situation in which there is a danger of loss, harm, or failure

trepidation (noun) - a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen

astonishing (adjective) - extremely surprising or impressive

ashen (adjective) - of a person's face, very pale with shock, fear, or illness

sorrow (noun) - a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune

anguish (noun) - severe mental or physical pain or suffering

poignant (adjective) - evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret

laurel (noun) - a type of evergreen tree or bush with shiny pointed leaves

impassive (adjective) - not feeling or showing emotion

steed (noun) - a horse, especially a riding horse

carbine (noun) - a light, short-barreled gun

foliage (noun) - plant leaves, collectively

mutter (verb) - say something in a low or barely audible voice

prone (adjective) - lying flat, especially face downward

etched (verb) - engraved, cut, or carved in a surface

glean (verb) - collect gradually and bit by bit

resolve (noun) - firm determination to do something

heart was weighed down - feeling heavy with sorrow or responsibility

fateful morning - a morning with significant and often negative consequences

whirlwind of emotions - a sudden and intense mixture of feelings

cast a golden glow - create a warm, golden light over something

steel oneself - prepare oneself to face or handle something difficult

heart-stopping moment - a very shocking or surprising moment

take a deep breath - inhale deeply, often to calm oneself

report of the rifle - the sound of a rifle being fired

shaken to his core - deeply disturbed or affected

etched into the annals of history - recorded permanently in history

Questions

1. What internal conflict does Carter Druse face in the story?

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a) Whether to stay awake or fall asleep

b) Whether to join the Union or the Confederacy

c) Whether to follow his duty or save his father

d) Whether to reveal the hidden soldiers or keep them secret

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2. How does Carter Druse's decision affect his family?

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a) It brings them closer together

b) It tears them apart

c) It has no effect on them

d) It makes them wealthy

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3. Why did Carter Druse choose to fight for the Union despite his family's Confederate ties?

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a) He wanted to impress a friend

b) He believed in the Union cause

c) He was forced to by his father

d) He thought it would be an adventure

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4. What does the horseman symbolize when Carter first sees him?

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a) A threat to his mission

b) A reminder of home

c) A lost friend

d) A ghostly figure

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5. What is the main theme of the story?

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a) The power of friendship

b) The conflict between duty and personal values

c) The importance of family

d) The beauty of nature

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6. What does the act of Carter shooting the horse instead of the rider symbolize?

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a) His fear of confrontation

b) His desire to protect the rider

c) His strategic thinking to protect the Union soldiers

d) His reluctance to kill his father directly

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AP-Test Style Writing Topics

1. Analyze how Ambrose Bierce uses imagery and symbolism in "A Horseman in the Sky" to convey the internal conflict of the protagonist, Carter Druse. Discuss how these literary devices enhance the story's overall impact.

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2. Discuss the theme of duty versus personal morality in "A Horseman in the Sky." How does Carter Druse's decision reflect the broader moral dilemmas faced by individuals during the Civil War? Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.

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3. Examine the relationship between Carter Druse and his father in "A Horseman in the Sky." How does their relationship illustrate the broader social and familial tensions caused by the Civil War? Discuss how Bierce uses their interactions to highlight these themes.

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Answer Keys

1. c) Whether to follow his duty or save his father

2. b) It tears them apart

3. b) He believed in the Union cause

4. a) A threat to his mission

5. b) The conflict between duty and personal values

6. c) His strategic thinking to protect the Union soldiers

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Sample AP-Test Style Writing

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1. Ambrose Bierce masterfully employs imagery and symbolism in "A Horseman in the Sky" to highlight Carter Druse's intense internal conflict. One of the most striking uses of imagery is the depiction of the horseman as a majestic and almost otherworldly figure. Bierce describes the horseman as "motionless and majestic against the azure sky," creating a powerful visual that symbolizes the gravity of Carter’s predicament. This imagery serves to elevate the horseman to an almost mythic status, reflecting the monumental nature of Carter's decision.

The symbolism of the horseman is also crucial in understanding Carter's internal struggle. Initially, the horseman symbolizes the enemy, a direct threat to the hidden Union soldiers. However, when Carter recognizes the horseman as his father, the symbol shifts, representing the profound personal conflict between his duty to the Union and his familial loyalty. This shift in symbolism is pivotal, illustrating the broader theme of the story: the devastating impact of civil war on personal relationships and individual morality.

Additionally, the imagery of the setting enhances the story's emotional depth. The "golden glow" of the sun and the "rugged landscape" of the Virginia hills create a serene backdrop that starkly contrasts with the turmoil in Carter's heart. This juxtaposition underscores the harsh realities of war, where moments of natural beauty are tainted by human conflict.

Bierce's use of detailed descriptions of Carter's physical actions, such as the way he "brought the butt of his rifle to his cheek" and "aimed squarely at the horseman's chest," also intensifies the reader’s sense of Carter’s internal conflict. These actions are deliberate and methodical, reflecting his struggle to reconcile his duty with his emotions.

In conclusion, Bierce’s use of imagery and symbolism not only conveys Carter Druse’s internal conflict but also enriches the narrative, making the story's themes more resonant and impactful. Through vivid visual descriptions and powerful symbolic elements, Bierce captures the profound personal and moral dilemmas faced by individuals during the Civil War.

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2. The theme of duty versus personal morality is central to "A Horseman in the Sky," encapsulating the broader moral dilemmas faced by individuals during the Civil War. Carter Druse’s decision to shoot his father, who is revealed to be the enemy horseman, starkly illustrates the excruciating choices that soldiers had to make between their obligations to their country and their personal values.

Carter's internal conflict is evident from the moment he recognizes the horseman as his father. This recognition transforms his mission from a straightforward military duty into a profound moral quandary. Carter's initial hesitation to shoot, reflected in his trembling hands and the emotional turmoil described as a "surge of conflicting emotions," highlights the severe personal cost of adhering to duty over familial bonds.

His father’s parting words, "Do what you conceive to be your duty," echo throughout the story, reinforcing the theme of duty. This paternal advice, which Carter ultimately follows, underscores the harsh reality that the Civil War often pitted personal relationships against national loyalty. By choosing to shoot the horse, thereby causing his father's death, Carter embodies the sacrifice and moral complexity inherent in the soldier's role during the war.

The broader implications of Carter's decision can be seen in the context of the Civil War's divisive nature. Families were frequently split, with members fighting on opposite sides. This internal division within families mirrors the larger national conflict, where personal and collective identities were in constant tension. Carter’s action is symbolic of the countless soldiers who had to reconcile their sense of duty with deeply held personal convictions.

Furthermore, Bierce's portrayal of Carter's resolute yet sorrowful demeanor after the act emphasizes the lasting impact of such decisions. The sergeant's reaction, "Good God!" encapsulates the shock and sorrow felt by those who witnessed or learned of similar acts of personal sacrifice during the war.

In conclusion, Carter Druse's decision in "A Horseman in the Sky" reflects the broader moral dilemmas faced by individuals during the Civil War, highlighting the theme of duty versus personal morality. Bierce’s narrative poignantly captures the heart-wrenching choices that defined the lives of many soldiers, making the story a powerful exploration of the human condition in times of conflict.

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3. The relationship between Carter Druse and his father in "A Horseman in the Sky" poignantly illustrates the broader social and familial tensions wrought by the Civil War. From the outset, their relationship is marked by a deep ideological divide. Carter's decision to join the Union, despite his family's Confederate allegiance, sets the stage for an emotional and moral conflict that reflects the wider societal fractures of the time.

Bierce introduces this tension early in the story through Carter's declaration to his father at the breakfast table. The father's impassive reaction, masking a "whirlwind of emotions," signifies the profound disappointment and heartache felt by families torn apart by conflicting loyalties. This moment encapsulates the personal cost of the Civil War, where familial bonds were often strained or broken by divergent political and moral beliefs.

The climactic encounter between Carter and his father on the precipice further intensifies these themes. The father's presence as the horseman, clad in the enemy's uniform, symbolizes the personal embodiment of the conflict. When Carter aims his rifle at the horseman, he is not merely confronting an enemy soldier but grappling with the very essence of his familial and moral ties. This confrontation underscores the internal and external conflicts faced by many during the war.

Bierce's use of dialogue and internal monologue effectively highlights the emotional complexity of their relationship. The father's earlier advice, "Do what you conceive to be your duty," reverberates in Carter's mind, adding layers of poignancy to his ultimate decision. This advice, though well-intentioned, becomes a haunting directive that forces Carter to prioritize his sense of duty over his personal love for his father.

The sergeant’s reaction to learning that the horseman was Carter's father, and his subsequent muttering of "Good God!" underscores the shock and horror that accompanied such personal sacrifices. It reflects the broader societal recognition of the war's brutal impact on individual lives and relationships.

In conclusion, the relationship between Carter Druse and his father in "A Horseman in the Sky" serves as a microcosm of the Civil War's devastating effect on social and familial structures. Bierce’s narrative deftly captures the emotional and moral turmoil experienced by those caught between duty and personal loyalty, highlighting the enduring human cost of civil conflict.

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