“The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

“The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce, initially published in 1891 as part of the esteemed collection Tales of Soldiers and Civilians, exemplifies the author’s proficiency in the realms of supernatural fiction and mystery. This enigmatic short story, replete with eerie and suspenseful elements, probes the psychological and philosophical themes of isolation, paranoia, and the unknowable, all while showcasing Bierce’s distinctive literary style. Through the protagonist’s fixation on uncovering the secrets shrouding a mysterious boarded-up window in his rural abode, the narrative masterfully crafts an atmosphere of escalating tension and foreboding, culminating in a denouement that has captivated scholars and readers alike. As such, “The Boarded Window” remains an integral component of American literary canon, offering valuable insights into the human condition and the power of the unknown.

Main Events in “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

1. Setting: A dense forest near Cincinnati, sparsely populated by frontier settlers
2. Introduction of Murlock: A reclusive man living alone in a log cabin, sustains himself through hunting and trading
3. Description of Murlock: Appears much older than his actual age of fifty, with white hair, a long beard, and a stooped figure
4. Murlock’s Wife Falls Ill: Murlock’s wife becomes seriously ill with fever, leaving him to care for her with no access to medical help
5. Death of Murlock’s Wife: Despite Murlock’s efforts to nurse her back to health, his wife succumbs to the fever and dies
6. Murlock’s Grief: Murlock experiences a profound sense of loss and confusion, struggling to come to terms with his wife’s death
7. Preparation for Burial: Murlock mechanically prepares his wife’s body for burial, feeling disconnected and numb to his emotions
8. Murlock’s Emotional Turmoil: Murlock’s grief manifests as a sense of disbelief and detachment, unable to fully comprehend the magnitude of his loss
9. Strange Sounds: Murlock hears eerie wailing sounds outside the cabin but dismisses them as possibly hallucinations or dreams
10. Terrifying Encounter: Murlock is startled awake by mysterious footsteps and a heavy impact on the table, triggering intense fear and panic
11. Encounter with a Panther: Murlock glimpses a panther dragging his wife’s body toward the window, leading to a chaotic struggle
12. Violent Confrontation: In a moment of terror, Murlock grabs his rifle and blindly fires at the panther, causing it to flee
13. Discovery of Wife’s Body: Murlock finds his wife’s mutilated body near the window, surrounded by evidence of a violent struggle
14. Panther’s Attack: Murlock realizes his wife was attacked and killed by the panther, leaving him to grapple with the horror of the situation
15. Aftermath: Murlock is left traumatized by the incident, haunted by the memory of his wife’s death and the vicious attack by the panther.

Literary Devices in “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

Literary Device	Example from the Story	Explanation
Imagery	“The whole region was sparsely settled by people of the frontier—restless souls who no sooner had hewn fairly habitable homes out of the wilderness…”	This creates a vivid picture of the frontier settlers and their struggle to establish homes in the wilderness.
Foreshadowing	“The latter, however, was boarded up—nobody could remember a time when it was not.”	The boarded window hints at a mysterious element of the story, creating anticipation for its revelation.
Personification	“the decayed stumps of which were half concealed by the new growth that had been suffered to repair the ravage wrought by the ax.”	The new growth repairing the damage caused by the ax is described as if it actively responded to the harm, giving human-like qualities to nature.
Symbolism	The boarded-up window	The boarded-up window symbolizes Murlock’s isolation and inner turmoil, as well as the mystery surrounding his past.
Alliteration	“His hair and long, full beard were white, his gray, lusterless eyes sunken…”	The repetition of the initial consonant sounds creates a rhythmic effect and emphasizes the description of Murlock’s appearance.
Irony	“He had had no experience in grief; his capacity had not been enlarged by use.”	The irony lies in the fact that Murlock, who has no prior experience with grief, finds himself overwhelmed by it after his wife’s death.
Simile	“Some natures it startles; some it stupefies. To one it comes like the stroke of an arrow, stinging all the sensibilities to a keener life…”	Grief is compared to the effect of an arrow, emphasizing its sudden and sharp impact on the senses.
Metaphor	“Grief is an artist of powers as various as the instruments upon which he plays his dirges for the dead…”	Grief is metaphorically compared to an artist, highlighting its ability to evoke different emotions and responses in people.
Suspense	“Suddenly the table shook beneath his arms, and at the same moment he heard, or fancied that he heard, a light, soft step…”	This builds tension and anticipation as Murlock experiences a mysterious disturbance in the cabin.
Flashback	“There is an earlier chapter—that supplied by my grandfather.”	The narrator introduces a flashback to provide background information about Murlock’s life and experiences.
Hyperbole	“He tried vainly to speak the dead woman’s name, vainly to stretch forth his hand across the table…”	The exaggeration emphasizes Murlock’s desperation to connect with his deceased wife, intensifying the emotional impact of the scene.
Repetition	“Waited there in the darkness through seeming centuries of such dread as one may know, yet live to tell.”	The repetition of “waited” emphasizes the prolonged and agonizing nature of Murlock’s fear and anticipation.
Onomatopoeia	“A scuffling ensued, and a confusion of sounds impossible to describe.”	The use of onomatopoeia creates an auditory image of the chaotic and terrifying events unfolding in the cabin.
Allegory	Murlock’s encounter with the panther	Murlock’s struggle with the panther can be interpreted as an allegory for his internal battles with grief and fear, as well as the harsh realities of frontier life.
Juxtaposition	“Then there were darkness blacker than before, and silence; and when he returned to consciousness the sun was high and the wood vocal with songs of birds.”	The contrast between the darkness and silence of Murlock’s terror and the brightness and sounds of nature afterward highlights the abrupt shift in atmosphere and Murlock’s return to reality.
Paradox	“Fear had by excess forfeited control of his faculties.”	The paradox lies in fear causing Murlock to lose control, despite fear typically being associated with heightened awareness and alertness.
Metonymy	“By the flash which lit up the room with a vivid illumination…”	“Flash” is used as a metonymy for the flash of the rifle, representing the sudden burst of light that illuminates the room.
Foil	Murlock’s wife compared to Murlock himself	Murlock’s wife, portrayed as supportive and optimistic, serves as a foil to Murlock’s stoic and isolated nature, emphasizing their contrasting personalities.
Pathetic Fallacy	“the deepening gloom”	The gloomy atmosphere mirrors Murlock’s emotional state, creating a sense of foreboding and unease.
Epiphany	Murlock’s realization after the encounter with the panther	Murlock experiences a moment of clarity and understanding about the harshness of life and the unpredictability of death after confronting the panther, marking a significant realization in his journey.

Characterization in “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

Major Characters:

• Murlock:
  • Characterized as a mysterious and isolated individual who “seemed a part of the gloom and silence” (Bierce 1)
  • Described as having a rugged and weathered appearance, with “gray, lusterless eyes sunken, his face singularly seamed with wrinkles” (Bierce 2)
  • Described as having a strong and stoic demeanor, but revealed to be grieving and struggling to cope with the loss of his wife
  • Shows signs of mental and emotional instability, such as when he “laid his face into them, tearless yet and unutterably weary” (Bierce 3)
  • Commits a violent act against the panther, symbolizing his inner turmoil and desire for revenge
• Murlock’s wife:
  • Characterized as a kind and supportive partner who shared Murlock’s “dangers and privations” (Bierce 2)
  • Described as being young and full of life, with “charms of mind and person” (Bierce 2)
  • Revealed to have died suddenly and tragically, with Murlock “convince[d] that she was dead” (Bierce 3)
  • Remembered fondly by Murlock, highlighting their strong relationship and his devastation at her loss

Minor Characters:

• The narrator:
  • Characterized as a curious and adventurous individual who “penetrated to the place and ventured near enough to the ruined cabin to throw a stone against it” (Bierce 1)
  • Described as having a fascination with the mysterious and unknown, and seeking to uncover the secrets of the boarded window
  • Revealed to be a descendant of someone who knew Murlock, adding a personal connection to the story
  • Serves as a framing device to tell the story of Murlock and his wife
• The grandfather:
  • Characterized as a knowledgeable and experienced individual who “had known [Murlock] when living nearby in that early day” (Bierce 2)
  • Described as having a deep understanding of the past and its secrets, and sharing his insights with the narrator
  • Revealed to have known Murlock and his wife, and providing valuable context and information about their lives
  • Serves as a source of information and insight into the story
• The panther:
  • Characterized as a symbol of danger and violence, described as an “enormous panther” (Bierce 4)
  • Revealed to be the cause of Murlock’s wife’s death, and the catalyst for Murlock’s descent into madness and violence
  • Serves as a representation of the unknown and uncontrollable forces that can disrupt human life.

Major Themes in “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

Writing Style in “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example from the Story
Psychoanalytic	Analyzing characters’ unconscious desires and fears, exploring the influence of trauma and repression on behavior.	Murlock’s reclusive nature and his reaction to his wife’s death can be interpreted through a psychoanalytic lens, revealing deep-seated emotions and unresolved psychological conflicts.
Marxist	Examining power dynamics, social class, and economic structures in the narrative, investigating how characters’ actions are influenced by their socio-economic status.	Murlock’s isolation and struggle to maintain his farm may reflect the hardships faced by individuals in the lower classes, highlighting themes of economic inequality and the challenges of frontier life.
Feminist	Analyzing gender roles, stereotypes, and the representation of women in the story, exploring how patriarchal norms shape characters’ experiences and relationships.	The portrayal of Murlock’s wife as supportive and obedient may reflect traditional gender roles of the time, raising questions about women’s agency and autonomy in the frontier society depicted in the story.
Formalist/New Criticism	Focusing on the text itself, examining literary devices, themes, and narrative techniques to uncover deeper meanings and patterns.	The use of foreshadowing through the boarded-up window and the repetition of eerie sounds create suspense and anticipation, enhancing the story’s atmosphere and contributing to its overall impact on the reader.
Reader-Response	Emphasizing the role of the reader in interpreting the text, exploring how individual experiences and perspectives shape the meaning of the story.	Different readers may interpret Murlock’s actions and the significance of the boarded-up window in various ways, depending on their own backgrounds, beliefs, and emotional responses to the narrative.
Postcolonial	Analyzing themes of colonization, cultural identity, and resistance in the narrative, examining how colonial history and power dynamics influence characters’ lives and interactions.	The frontier setting and the struggle for survival in the wilderness can be seen as symbolic of the larger historical context of colonization and the displacement of indigenous peoples by European settlers.
Structuralism	Identifying underlying structures and patterns within the text, focusing on binary oppositions, recurring motifs, and narrative organization.	The contrast between light and darkness, as well as the repetition of the motif of isolation and fear, contribute to the story’s structure and thematic development, highlighting key conflicts and tensions.
Postmodernism	Questioning traditional narrative conventions and exploring metafictional elements, reflexivity, and intertextuality in the story.	Bierce’s use of ambiguity and the unreliable narrator challenges readers’ perceptions of reality, inviting them to question the reliability of the narrator’s account and the truthfulness of the events described.
Cultural Criticism	Examining how cultural beliefs, values, and practices influence the narrative, exploring themes of identity, tradition, and cultural conflict.	The portrayal of frontier life and the struggle to survive in the wilderness reflects the cultural values and challenges of American pioneers, providing insight into the historical and cultural context of the story.
Deconstruction	Unpacking the inherent contradictions and ambiguities within the text, challenging binary oppositions and destabilizing fixed meanings to reveal multiple interpretations.	The mystery surrounding the boarded-up window and the ambiguous nature of Murlock’s actions invite multiple readings and interpretations, illustrating the deconstructive nature of the narrative.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

• Topic 1: The Supernatural
  Question: How does Bierce use the supernatural in “The Boarded Window” to create a sense of tension and fear?
  Thesis: Bierce uses the supernatural in “The Boarded Window” to create a sense of tension and fear by hinting at the possibility of a ghostly presence and using language that suggests the unknown and unexplainable.
• Topic 2: Loneliness and Isolation
  Question: How does the setting of “The Boarded Window” contribute to the theme of loneliness and isolation?
  Thesis: The setting of “The Boarded Window” contributes to the theme of loneliness and isolation by creating a sense of remoteness and desolation, emphasizing Murlock’s disconnection from society and his inability to form meaningful relationships.
• Topic 3: Death and Grief
  Question: How does “The Boarded Window” explore the theme of death and grief, and what commentary does it offer on the human experience?
  Thesis: “The Boarded Window” explores the theme of death and grief by portraying the devastating effects of loss on the human psyche, highlighting the destructive power of guilt and the inability to cope with tragedy.
• Topic 4: Psychological Insight
  Question: How does “The Boarded Window” provide insight into the human mind, and what does it reveal about the psychological effects of trauma?
  Thesis: “The Boarded Window” provides insight into the human mind by exploring the psychological effects of trauma, revealing how guilt, grief, and isolation can lead to a downward spiral of mental and emotional deterioration.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

• Q: What is the significance of the boarded window in the story?
  A: The boarded window represents Murlock’s attempt to shut out the painful memories of his wife’s death and the outside world. However, it also symbolizes his inability to move on and confront his grief. For example, when Murlock boards up the window, he is trying to physically and emotionally block out the pain, but it only leads to further isolation and madness.
• Q: How does Bierce use foreshadowing in the story?
  A: Bierce uses foreshadowing through the description of the forest and the cabin, creating an eerie and ominous atmosphere. For example, when the narrator describes the forest as “an immense and almost unbroken forest” with “gloom” and “silence”, it foreshadows the dark and tragic events that will unfold. Similarly, the description of the cabin as “ruined” and “decaying” hints at the decay of Murlock’s mental state.
• Q: What is the role of the panther in the story?
  A: The panther represents the unknown and uncontrollable forces of nature, which disrupt Murlock’s life and symbolize the chaos and destruction that has entered his world. The panther’s sudden and unexpected attack on Murlock’s wife represents the randomness and cruelty of fate, and Murlock’s inability to cope with the tragedy.
• Q: How does the story explore the theme of isolation?
  A: The story explores the theme of isolation through Murlock’s physical and emotional disconnection from society. His decision to live in the wilderness, away from human contact, contributes to his downfall. For example, when Murlock’s wife dies, he is unable to seek help or comfort from others, leading to his descent into madness and violence. The isolation also highlights the destructive power of guilt and grief when left unchecked.

Literary Works Similar to “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

1. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe: Like “The Boarded Window,” this short story delves into themes of psychological suspense and the unraveling of the human mind. It explores the guilt and paranoia of the narrator after committing a murder.
2. “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne: This story shares elements of psychological and symbolic depth with Bierce’s work. It follows a young man’s journey into the forest, where he confronts his own darkness and the hypocrisy of his community.
3. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: While tonally different, this short story also explores the darker aspects of human nature and society’s capacity for cruelty. It similarly builds tension and mystery around a seemingly ordinary event.
4. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Like “The Boarded Window,” this story delves into themes of isolation and madness. It follows a woman’s descent into psychosis as she becomes increasingly obsessed with the patterns in the wallpaper of her room.
5. “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe: This Gothic tale shares similarities with Bierce’s work in its atmospheric setting and exploration of psychological horror. It follows the narrator’s visit to the decaying mansion of his childhood friend, Roderick Usher, where he encounters madness and decay.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

• Books:
• Bierce, Ambrose, and Irina Petraş. The Boarded Window. Paralela 45, 2003.
• Bierce, Ambrose. The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce... Vol. 2. Neale Publishing Company, 1909.
• Bierce, Ambrose. A much misunderstood man: Selected letters of Ambrose Bierce. Ohio State University Press, 2003.
• Articles:
• Fatout, Paul. “Ambrose Bierce, Civil War Topographer.” American Literature 26.3 (1954): 391-400.
• This article discusses Bierce’s use of surprise endings, a key element in “The Boarded Window.”
• Website:
• Ambrose Bierce Biography – https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/boarded-window
• This website entry on “The Boarded Window” provides a brief plot summary, character analysis, and some critical interpretations. While not an in-depth analysis, it can be a helpful starting point.

Representative Quotations from “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“His simple wants were supplied by the sale or barter of skins of wild animals…”	This line describes Murlock’s self-sufficiency and isolation from society. Despite living in the wilderness, he chooses not to cultivate the land and instead relies on hunting for survival.	Murlock’s self-imposed isolation reflects themes of alienation and detachment from society.
“And none knew why it was so closed; certainly not because of the occupant’s dislike of light and air…”	Despite the window being boarded up, Murlock is occasionally seen sunning himself on the doorstep, contradicting the assumption that he dislikes light and air.	The mystery surrounding the boarded window adds an element of suspense and intrigue to the narrative.
“There is no known record of her name; of her charms of mind and person tradition is silent…”	The narrator acknowledges the lack of information about Murlock’s wife, leaving her character shrouded in mystery.	The absence of details about Murlock’s wife contributes to the story’s eerie atmosphere and sense of foreboding.
“He had had no experience in grief; his capacity had not been enlarged by use.”	Murlock’s lack of experience with grief highlights his emotional isolation and inability to cope with loss.	Murlock’s emotional numbness serves as a precursor to the psychological horror that unfolds later in the story.
“He was terrified beyond the power to cry out or move.”	Murlock experiences paralyzing fear when confronted with the unknown presence in the darkness.	Murlock’s fear symbolizes the overwhelming sense of dread and helplessness in the face of the supernatural.
“There is a point at which terror may turn to madness…”	This line reflects on the psychological effects of extreme fear, suggesting that it can lead to madness.	The theme of madness underscores the psychological horror elements of the story.
“With no definite intent, from no motive but the wayward impulse of a madman…”	Murlock’s irrational actions, driven by madness, demonstrate his descent into primal instincts.	Murlock’s descent into madness serves as a turning point in the narrative, leading to the climax of the story.