On "The Affair at Coulter's Notch" by Ambrose Bierce (3275 words) ****

This Civil War story of Ambrose Bierce's once again revolves around the concept of exposing the lack of glory in war, in favor of its utter depravity. A soldier is placed in charge of decimating a particular stronghold along the line. He does so but without due deference--i.e., enthusiasm--to his superiors. Much is made of this, and his actions seem near traitorous in some ways until . . . Let's just say that Bierce is working at making the theme of how wars tear families--for that's what nations are--apart into something physical. Read the story here.