Analysis of “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
An analysis of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" produces the following discussion
topics and observations:
1. Realism - The use of details establishes authenticity for the story's setting; even
Farquhar's imagined escape contains realistic detail up to the point where he
discovers the tree-lined road leading up to his house, which by the way, is a
realistic dream someone might have while being hanged from a bridge in northern
Alabama (not that I've ever been hanged from a bridge in northern Alabama; I'm
just speculating). Bierce draws on his experience as a Civil War soldier (he fought
for the North) to create a realistic military atmosphere. Bierce's realistic, detailed
portrayal of the violence of war negates its often romanticized portrayal.
2. Foreshadowing - The story's power originates from its shocking conclusion.
Bierce does, however, reveal clues as to the nature of Farquhars "escape" (clues
that are much easier to recognize after having read the story several times, by the
way). These clues include the preposterous nature of his escape. Farquhar
mentions his plan of escape in part 1, a completely absurd plan that occurs in part
3. The perfect, isolated tree-lined road, followed by pained neck, swollen tongue,
and congested eyes hint at Farquhar's death, in addition to the fantasy like
appearance of his wife running to him right before the secret is revealed.
3. Author's Purpose and Plot Structure - "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"
makes for a good discussion on author's purpose and narrative structure. The
story's neatly aligned into three sections (much like the neat alignment of
soldiers), within which is fantasy, feigned heroism, and violent death (sounds like
war). The first section contains the exposition. The second section contains
additional background information along with a flashback. The third section
contains the suspenseful escape and shocking conclusion. It ironically contains
the shortest time sequence and the most words.