An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge

A detailed Summary of An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge

What makes Ambrose Bierce a realist Author "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" can be considered a work of realism for two reasons. The first is Bierce's utilization of his own military background giving this story a sense of realism. Bierce also conveys his pessimism after leading the reader to believe otherwise. This story provides social critique of the south during the Civil War.

Bierce goes to great lengths to describe the opening sequence in terms of its military arrangement. He provides brilliant images of group formations and soldier stances like "a single company of infantry in line, at 'parade rest' the butts of the rifles on the ground, the barrels inclining backward against the right shoulder, the hands crossed upon the stock". He also takes the time to describe exactly how fortified the Owl Creek Bridge is. He shows his military experience by describing a road that stretches out of site and assuming that "Doubtless there was an outpost farther along". The procedures of a military execution were explained thoroughly including the code of conduct: "In the code of military manners silence and fixity are forms of deference". Bierce earned the nickname "Bitter Bierce" early in his life for his pessimism. This is not evide

nt in this story until the end. The third and final part begins with a sequence of miraculous occurrences allowing Peyton Farquhar to escape from his hanging. The description of these events leads the reader to believe that Bierce is a Romantic author rather than a realist.

Another indication is the reference to the single bullet to hit him in the water. The wound is to his neck and described as uncomfortably warm. This is much like the description of how the noose felt around his neck. The cannonball that hits nearby creates a wave that "strangles" Peyton. Later in Farquhar's journey his tongue is swollen and his eyes no longer shut. His tongue is stuck out and he loses feeling of the ground. These are all physical manifestations of his hanging that intrude on the escape fantasy. Just as Peyton approaches his wife is when Bierce finally reveals Farquhar's true fate. He feels a blow to the back of his neck and then there is darkness and silence. After painting a picture of Peyton Farquhar's miraculous escape, Bierce brings cruel reality by allowing him to be executed thereby showing his pessimism. Bierce's writing that makes him a realist was his use of social critique of the Civil War southerner. Peyton is a wealthy Alabama plantation and slave owner who is therefore devoted to the southern cause. His patriotism can be seen by his desire for service in the "gallant army that fought in the disastrous campaigns". Peyton knows that his "opportunity for distinction" will come and feels that no tas

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Approximate Word count = 1015
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels