Theme Analysis Essy

897 Words4 Pages
Theme Analysis of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce, is set in Alabama on a bridge during the Civil War in the late 1800's. There is an execution about to take place and there is a man bound, with his hands behind his back and a noose around his neck, and he is surrounded by four Federal army soldiers. He takes in the scene around him, the soldiers on the bridge and the ones in the distance, and how they stand in standard position. The way the railroad tracks expand in front of him and disappear from his eyesight. Even though the character is in the mist of looking death in the eye, his mind starts to wonder. In "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge", Ambrose Bierce exhibits that one's imagination can change one's perception on time, reality and beliefs on death when faced with life threatening situation. Farquhar goes to a point in his life where he is sitting on the porch at his home with his wife. A Confederate Soldier walks up and ask if they could spare something to drank. Since, he could never serve in the army, too support the causes he believed in, it was a honor for him to be able to accommodate the soldier. Ms. Farquhar goes to get the drink, Mr. Farquhar and the soldier began to make small talk. The Confederate Soldier speaks of "The Yanks repairing the railroads to get ready for another advance. If any civilian is caught interfering, they will be summarily hanged (Bierce pg. 85)." Mr. Farquhar asked the soldier, "Suppose a man wants to elude the post and get the better of the Yanks, how would he do so (Bierce pg.85)". Ms. Farquhar returns with the drink, the soldier thanks them and leave. Mr. Farquhar feels himself dropping downward and soon realizes that he is not at home. Mr. Farquhar is dropping to the river, he describes how it seems like forever and the
Open Document