What is the main idea of Ambrose Bierce's 'Deaf Boy Story'?

The most obvious character is the deaf boy himself. There may also be his family members, like his parents or siblings who play important roles in his life. And perhaps there are some friends or neighbors who interact with him in different ways, either being kind and understanding or perhaps ignorant about his condition.

The theme of madness is also prominent. Characters who come into contact with the 'King in Yellow' often descend into insanity. It shows how the human mind can be fragile when exposed to something it can't fully comprehend. For example, the descriptions of the characters' mental states as they become more involved with the cursed elements of the story.

The themes in Ambrose Bierce's war stories include the futility of war. His stories often show how war can seem pointless, with so much destruction and death for little gain. Also, the theme of comradeship exists. Soldiers form strong bonds in the face of danger, and Bierce depicts these relationships, both the loyalty and the occasional betrayal within them.

His vivid descriptions are also a key feature. In stories like 'The Damned Thing', he describes the strange and unexplainable events in such detail that it feels like you're right there in the middle of the horror. He doesn't shy away from the grotesque either, which adds to the horror factor.

One of the notable ones is 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge'. It's a story full of suspense and unexpected twists. The way Bierce plays with the perception of time is really fascinating.

Bierce's cynical view of life, perhaps influenced by his own hardships, is reflected in his stories. His characters often face difficult and unfair situations, such as in 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' where the main character is unjustly sentenced to death.

The main themes include the brutality of war. Ambrose Bierce shows how war dehumanizes people. It also has the theme of fate. Soldiers often find themselves at the mercy of unpredictable events during the war. And the exploration of heroism is there too. It questions what it really means to be a hero in the context of such a bloody conflict.

Ambrose Bierce's short stories are often known for their dark and cynical tone. His stories frequently explore themes of death, war, and the human condition in a rather unflinching way.

There are a variety of main characters in his short stories. Some are soldiers, as war is a common theme in his works. These soldiers often face the harsh realities of combat and the moral dilemmas that come with it. For instance, in 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge', the main character is a Confederate soldier about to be hanged.

One main theme is the brutality of war. The stories depict the gore and destruction that war brings, leaving no room for glorification.