silhouette of a man half submerged in water wiht a noose around his neck

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

by Ambrose Bierce

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An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Ambrose Bierce's "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is set during the American Civil War, around 1862, on a railroad bridge in northern Alabama. The story centers on Peyton Farquhar, a Confederate...

19 educator answers

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

After Farquhar seems to escape from the creek, he walks day and night to reach his plantation home, his wife, and his children. He notes many strange details on his journey, and he suffers terribly,...

2 educator answers

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Farquhar's escape is an illusion that begins as he faces execution, marked by his focus on a drifting piece of wood and the slow ticking of his watch, indicating time distortion. Clues include his...

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An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

The significance of Peyton Farquhar's illusions in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" lies in their depiction of his desire to escape death and return to his family. Clues to these illusions include...

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An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Despite feeling he is escaping, Farquhar is in great pain, as indicated by his aching neck, burning brain, and heart pounding violently. His body is overwhelmed with anguish as he struggles to...

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An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Farquhar overcomes three main difficulties in the stream: he first unties his wrists and removes the rope from his neck, allowing him to surface for air. He then dives deep to avoid being shot,...

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An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Farquhar's heightened sensitivity during and after his escape is a result of his imagination as he faces death. This intense awareness is akin to the slow-motion perception sometimes experienced in...

2 educator answers