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An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge
Original title An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge
Author

Ambrose Bierce

Genre Short Story
Language English
Characters Peyton Farquhar, Mrs Farquhar, the soldier, the sergeant, the captain, the lieutenant, the boy
Published July 13, 1890
ISBN 978-1540761364
Book Summary
Essay Examples

Table of Contents

“An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge” is a short story by Ambrose Bierce that was first published in 1891. Peyton Farquhar is a wealthy landowner in the American Civil War-era South who is caught aiding the Confederacy and sentenced to death by hanging. On the day of his execution, he imagines escaping his execution and returning to his family. However, as he is about to be hanged, he wakes up to discover that his escape was only a dream.

  • 1The Theme of Reality and Illusion in the Novels An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge and Hurt Hawks
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    What Is Reality? In “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” the story takes place during the Civil War era and the protagonist is named Peyton Farquhar; he is a man who lives in the south and is confederate supporter who owns an immense quantity of land. We then learn that Farquhar becomes a bit more complex when we discover that he exhibits a very huge gap between who he is and an inflated version of he wants to be. Farquhar…
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  • 2A New Aspect Of Time in an Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge Story
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    In “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” Ambrose Bierce has created an awe-inspiring and wonder-filled portrait of time as a fluid motion of nature. The reader is swiftly transported from the present to the past, then forward to the present (as the protagonist perceives it) and finally into the actual present. While there are many themes which take center-stage in this composition, such as the blurring of fantasy and reality, or the idea of distorted sensory perception; the one theme…
    Time
  • 3Everything About An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge
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    SummaryIn the first section, we get thrown right into the story and find a man that is about to be hung in Northern Alabama, on a bridge. He is surrounded by officials of the federal army (north) and a sentinel keeping watch. We find out that the man is an ordinary man with no bad history. While standing there, he tried to think of his children and wife but was constantly distracted by small insignificant things. While the man thought…
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  • 4Altered States Of Mind In Realist And Postmodern Literature: An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge
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    Though set 74 years apart in publication, Ambrose Bierce’s realist classic “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” is updated with John Cheever’s “The Swimmer,” adding a postmodern feel onto the subject of internalized and idealized heroism. Both Bierce and Cheever use water as a major symbolic effect on the main characters; their time in the water is what transitions them to their trance-like state that grows more noticeable to the reader the longer the main characters fail to realize their…
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  • 5Gothic Elements In An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge
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    Gothic literature or literary pieces that consist of Gothic elements have been popular since the 18th century. One factor that contributes to this genre being popular is based on the fact that they convey deeper meanings. Gothic literature provides common themes such as death and decay and/or good vs evil. In addition, people love to be scared which relates to terror and horror is one of the most important elements in Gothic literature. The terror is what an individual might…
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  • 6Use Of Imagery in an Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge
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    Introduction The short story, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” by Ambrose Bierce is a clear example of suspenseful writing. Bierce’s use of imagery such as how the Hangman plans to escape; explicit detail, such as how the rope snaps and the Hangman evades death; and Figurative language, such as how the Hangman finally dies, intensifies the work and leaves the reader filled with anticipation. Though all of those elements effect how the story flows, it mostly influences how the…
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  • 7Escaping The Reality In An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce
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    Introduction: The pursuit of escapism is a universal aspect of human nature, often utilized as a means to detach oneself from the complexities of reality. In literature, this theme has been a recurrent motif, offering readers an opportunity to immerse themselves in alternative worlds. "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," penned by Ambrose Bierce, stands as a poignant example of how authors employ escapism to engage and captivate their audience. Through its intricate narrative structure, vivid imagery, and psychological exploration,…
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  • 8Effects of Realism in An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and The Yellow Wallpaper
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    Introduction In American literature, the movement of realism sought to capture the complexities and realities of human existence during the 19th century. Authors embraced a stark departure from romanticism, choosing instead to present a more authentic portrayal of society and the human psyche. Two prominent works that epitomize the realism movement are Ambrose Bierce's "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper." These short stories, with their distinct narrative styles, vividly portray the psychological aspects…
  • 9An Exploration of Suspense in “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”
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    Introduction Ambrose Bierce's short story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," serves as a masterclass in suspenseful writing. Through a skillful interplay of imagery, explicit detail, and figurative language, Bierce captivates readers, creating a vivid and anticipatory atmosphere. This essay delves into the ways Bierce employs these literary elements to heighten suspense and provide a realistic and engaging reading experience. The Power of Imagery Imagery, as a literary device, plays a pivotal role in shaping the emotional landscape of "An…
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  • 10Peyton Farquhar’s Tragic Civil War Sacrifice
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    Introduction In the realm of American literature, Ambrose Bierce's 'An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge' stands as a haunting exploration of heroism, sacrifice, and the brutal realities of the Civil War. Central to this narrative is the character of Peyton Farquhar, a planter from a respected Alabama family, whose unwavering courage leads him down a path of tragic consequences. This essay seeks to unravel the layers of Peyton's character, delving into his background, motivations, and the symbolic elements that shape…
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  • 11An Analysis of Setting in ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’
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    Introduction In Ambrose Bierce’s literary masterpiece, 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,' the role of setting transcends the mere backdrop and evolves into a narrative force, shaping the plot with unparalleled finesse. This essay contends that Bierce's strategic use of setting not only surpasses but enhances the cinematic adaptation of the story. The carefully chosen words weave a tapestry of emotions, offering readers a profound understanding of Peyton Farquhar's psychological journey toward his inevitable fate. The graphic settings and vivid…
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    Paper Type:650 Word Essay Examples
  • 12Unveiling Narrative Mastery: Foreshadowing in Bierce’s Owl Creek Bridge
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    Introduction Ambrose Bierce's "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" stands as a classic example of narrative craft, with particular attention drawn to the masterful use of foreshadowing. In this essay, we delve into the intricate layers of foreshadowing employed by the author, emphasizing its impact on the reader's engagement and the overall quality of the narrative. Foreshadowing through Subtle Instances One of the most captivating aspects of Bierce's foreshadowing technique lies in the subtlety with which he provides constant hints…
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    Paper Type:350 Word Essay Examples
  • 13An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge: Exploring Reality and Fantasy
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    IntroductionAn Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, though initially perplexing, unfolds a narrative that captivates the reader through its exploration of the life and ultimate fate of Peyton Farquhar. The story, set against the backdrop of a bygone era, invites reflection on the stark differences between historical norms and contemporary values. As the plot develops, themes of gullibility, betrayal, and the blurred line between reality and fantasy emerge, creating a rich tapestry that resonates with readers.The Complexity of Peyton Farquhar's CharacterFarquhar's…
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  • 14“An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge” By Ambrose Bierce
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    Naturalism is often perceived as a form of writing which is blunt because of the candor that writers used in approaching the subject. However, while naturalism is known to employ detailed realism in describing its subjects it necessarily follows that characterization becomes a critical process where the reader is given the benefit of making a conclusion as to how a particular character is characterized. In effect, naturalism merely generates the facts for the reader to base his/her conclusion on. In…
    NaturalismOwl
    Paper Type:900 Word Essay Examples
  • 15An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge Short Story Overview
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    In the short story, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” Ambrose Bierce uses several descriptions and specific conversations between the round and flat characters to develop the main character traits throughout the story. Bierce methods do not give a word for word account of the character’s individual traits, because he wanted the provided descriptions to allow the reader to draw their own conclusions about each character’s purpose. His technique has produced one round character and a few flat characters that…
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    Paper Type:450 Word Essay Examples
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