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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 imagery meticulously crafted by Bierce serve as a conduit for the seamless portrayal of the introduction, rising action/climax, and conclusion, aligning with the author's original intent.
The story commences with Farquhar standing on the precipice of Owl Creek Bridge, awaiting his impending execution.
Bierce's narrative prowess is immediately evident as Farquhar observes a piece of driftwood in the swirling stream beneath the bridge. In the written rendition, the stream's languid pace and the drifting wood symbolize Farquhar's predicament, portraying him navigating the chaotic currents with a semblance of control.
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The film, however, merely presents an image of the driftwood, failing to capture the nuanced symbolism embedded in Bierce's prose.
The driftwood becomes a poignant metaphor, signifying Farquhar's ability to navigate through his dire circumstances, mirroring the slow progression of his impending fate. Through this, Bierce masterfully encapsulates the essence of the introduction, setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy with a depth of detail absent in the cinematic interpretation.
As the story progresses, the meticulous use of setting becomes even more apparent, particularly in the moments leading up to Farquhar's final breath.
In the written narrative, Farquhar, contemplating his family, is abruptly interrupted by the ticking of his pocket watch. The intervals between each tick symbolize the diminishing time he has left, creating a palpable sense of impending doom. "Striking through the thought of his dear ones was the sound which he could neither ignore nor understand, a sharp, distinct, metallic percussion like the stroke of a blacksmith’s hammer upon the anvil... the delays became maddening" (Literature 72).
Conversely, the film adaptation accelerates time, overlooking the significance of the pocket watch and its symbolic resonance. The omission diminishes the impact of Farquhar's internal struggle and fails to convey the profound connection between time and mortality, a crucial element in Bierce's narrative design.
Moreover, during the rising action in the written story, Farquhar's plunge into the water is detailed with precision. Removing the noose from his neck, he experiences a surreal moment of self-awareness, commanding himself to act against his impending demise. This internal conflict, richly portrayed in the text, remains unexplored in the cinematic rendition, depriving the audience of insight into Farquhar's psychological state.
Throughout the narrative, the symbolism of the driftwood recurs, reaching its zenith in the final moments before Farquhar's fate is revealed. As he attempts to escape the gunfire while swimming downstream, the written story vividly describes him being caught in a vortex, akin to the driftwood spinning uncontrollably in the water. "He had been caught in a vortex and was being whirled on with a velocity of advance... spinning like a top" (Literature 75).
The whirlpool serves as a powerful metaphor for Farquhar's lack of control over his destiny, mirroring the chaotic nature of the situation. Regrettably, the film rushes through this crucial symbolic moment, denying the audience the full impact of Bierce's intended imagery. In the written version, the whirling driftwood comes full circle, linking back to the introduction and reinforcing the cyclical nature of fate.
In conclusion, Ambrose Bierce's 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' stands as a testament to the transformative power of setting within a narrative. The author's deliberate and nuanced use of words crafts a rich tapestry of emotions and symbols, elevating the story beyond a mere chronicle of events. The written version surpasses the short film adaptation by encapsulating Farquhar's internal and external struggles, the symbolism of the driftwood, and the profound connection between time and mortality. Bierce's original intent shines through the detailed descriptions of the setting, allowing readers to fully grasp the intricacies of the introduction, rising action, and conclusion. Through the lens of Bierce's storytelling mastery, the setting emerges as a dynamic force, shaping the narrative with unparalleled depth and resonance.
An Analysis of Setting in 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge'. (2017, Feb 07). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/rerview-on-film-an-occurrence-at-owl-creek-bridge-essay
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