An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce Essay -- English L

An concomitant at Owl creek Bridge by Ambrose BierceAn Occurrence at Owl creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce is a 19thCentury mystery story story that is set at the time of the American CivilWar (1861-1865) when the Slave owning Confederate States in the South active in conflict with the Federal Government of the USA. The storyfocuses on a character called Peyton Farquhar, whom is about to besummarily hung for trespassing on the Owl Creek Bridge his fate is tobe hung from that same bridge. The story ends with a curious twist inthe plot. The main part of the story is set in Farquhars mind, thoughwhilst reading the reader is unsure (despite cargonful, hidden hintsplaced by Bierce) of this fact. Only at the end when it is clearlystated that Farquhar is hanging lifelessly with a low-down neck from thebridge that the reader will become conclusively aware of this. It isdivided into three parts, which I will analyse, in detail, separately.Part I======An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge begins powerfully by introducinga man, whom is not named until later on in the tale. This obviouslyadds to the mystery. It describes with detail of him in somewhat apredicament hands behind his back, wrists bounds with a cord,rope closely encircled his neck. Words of such like are of a lexicalset of entrapment and give the impression that the man in question isin danger and is unable to break free. Next, the reader learns thatexecutioners (also are soldiers from federal official army) are present thatshow the man has committed a crime, so is a condemned man. It raisesquestions as to why he is there, and forces the reader to continuereading. Bierce sustains more mystery by not revealing his crime untilfurt... ...y Ah, how beautiful she is Hesprings forward with extended arms. Bierce lures the reader intothoughts of joy by remarking how beautiful the wife is. Suddenly,Bierce loot his complex illusions and proves that proves the priorPart III was not reality, set in the min of Farquhar his body swunggently from side to side beneath the timbers of the Owl Creek Bridge.Conclusion==========Bierce has a unique style to pull the reader into the story. To name afew techniques, his complex illusions keep the audience in suspense,his detailed descriptions tolerate the reader to picture all aspects ofthe story and the dividing of the story into three separate parts helpthem to stay focused. These all work together to provide a compelling,inspiring and powerful story. An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge is agreat example how the mind can be deceptive.