Bierce, Ambrose: 1842-1914?
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, 1890 - Literary Devices
- Symbolism
- The Bridge
The bridge is a key symbol that shifts in meaning throughout the story. Initially, it represents Farquhar's attempt to sabotage the Union, a symbol of his rebellion against the war. However, as the story progresses, it becomes a symbol of his failure and his execution.The River
The river, with its strong current and seemingly sluggish movement, mirrors Farquhar's experience of time and reality as he enters his dream state. The slow, seemingly sluggish river suggests that time is slowing down, mirroring Farquhar's heightened awareness as he approaches death, as does the ticking watch.The Ticking Watch
The watch symbolizes the inevitability of death and the relentless march of time as Farquhar's final moments unfold. Its ticking is described as "as slow as the tolling of a death knell," further emphasizing the impending execution.The Escape Fantasy
The entire escape fantasy itself is symbolic of Farquhar's desperate desire for escape and his yearning for a life beyond the war's horrors. It is a powerful representation of the human mind's ability to create alternate realities to cope with overwhelming trauma.
- The Bridge
- Irony
- Dramatic Irony
The story is rife with dramatic irony, particularly in the final section where Farquhar's escape is revealed to be a dream. The reader, having invested in Farquhar's supposed escape, is jarred by the realization that it was all an illusion, highlighting the futility of his dreams and the harsh realities of war.Irony of Situation
Farquhar's attempt to sabotage the bridge, motivated by a desire for glory and a misguided sense of patriotic duty, ultimately leads to his death, a stark example of the irony of his situation.Irony of Perspective
The third-person limited narrative perspective allows the reader to witness Farquhar's emotional state and subjective experience, making his death all the more shocking when the illusion is shattered.
- Dramatic Irony
- Narrative Perspective
- Third-Person Limited
The story is narrated from a third-person limited perspective, focusing on Farquhar's thoughts and feelings. This perspective allows the reader to share in his experiences and emotions, making the story more intimate and impactful.Shifting Perspectives
The narrative shifts between objective descriptions of Farquhar's execution and his subjective, dreamlike escape fantasy, creating a sense of uncertainty and blurring the lines between reality and illusion. This shifting perspective emphasizes the power of the human mind to create and distort reality.Unreliable Narrator
The narrator's unreliable perspective, as revealed through the illusion, suggests that even seemingly factual accounts can be influenced by subjective experiences and biases.
- Third-Person Limited