Can Such Things Be? · Chapter
Bodies of the Dead explained
This chapter explores the unsettling and often grotesque treatment of corpses in Bierce's stories, examining how dead bodies serve as focal points for horror, supernatural occurrences, and psychological terror.
What happens
This chapter explores the unsettling and often grotesque treatment of corpses in Bierce's stories, examining how dead bodies serve as focal points for horror, supernatural occurrences, and psychological terror. The narratives delve into the macabre details of death and the lingering presence of the deceased.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the narrato…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Death and the Supernatural
The chapter focuses on the physical remains of the dead and their connection to supernatural events, such as reanimation and ghostly appearances.
- The Uncanny and the Grotesque
Descriptions of corpses and their unexpected behaviors evoke a sense of revulsion and unease, emphasizing the grotesque nature of death.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Morgan
His death and the inquest into his mysterious demise are central to the chapter's exploration of dead bodies.
- Silas Deemer
His corpse is a key element in the story of the dead returning to life.
- Henry Armstrong
His body is the subject of a bizarre and horrifying resurrection.
- John Mortonson
His funeral and the grotesque discovery at his wake highlight the theme of the uncanny corpse.
Key passages
“Bodies of the Dead”
The chapter examines how dead bodies are portrayed in Bierce's stories, often as sources of horror and supernatural phenomena.
This is the chapter title, summarizing its focus on corpses and their narrative roles.
