Library / Fantastic Fables

The Austere Governor

A fable by Ambrose Bierce

Lesson planWorksheet

Political satire about corrupt officials; best for older students.

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The Austere Governor

A Governor visiting a State prison was implored by a Convict to pardon him.

"What are you in for?" asked the Governor.

"I held a high office," the Convict humbly replied, "and sold subordinate appointments."

"Then I decline to interfere," said the Governor, with asperity; "a man who abuses his office by making it serve a private end and purvey a personal advantage is unfit to be free. By the way, Mr. Warden," he added to that official, as the Convict slunk away, "in appointing you to this position, I was given to understand that your friends could make the Shikane county delegation to the next State convention solid for--for the present Administration. Was I rightly informed?"

"You were, sir."

"Very well, then, I will bid you good-day. Please be so good as to appoint my nephew Night Chaplain and Reminder of Mothers and Sisters."

What is he mocking?
Governors who condemn office-selling while handing jobs to allies and relatives are hypocrites.

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Discussion questions

  1. What does the story reveal about the nature of power and corruption?
  2. How can we see similar scenarios in today’s political or social landscape?
  3. In what ways do you think moral stories like "The Austere Governor" remain significant across cultures and time?

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Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Stag the Wolf and the Sheep