Occurence at owl creek Bridge
Ambrose Bierce's short story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," takes place during the Civil War near Corinth, Alabama. The protagonist of the story, Peyton Farquhar, is a slave owner and a politician. In the story, Peyton is portrayed as a loving family man with a strong sense of awareness and an equally strong dedication to the South, and the southern cause in the war. Though Peyton has many different characteristics, the three traits mentioned are probably his strongest and have the most to do with the outcome of the story. Peyton is portrayed as a loving family man. Peyton has a wife and at least two children of his own. He comes from "an old and highly respected Alabama family"(259). His love for his family, although not directly stated, is apparent in Peyton's final thoughts before being hanged. While Peyton is only moments away from death, he closes "his eyes in order to fix his last thoughts upon his wife and children"(258). He yearns to return home to his family and is thankful that his "wife and little ones are still beyond the invader's farthest advance"(259). This statement shows how Peyton cares for his family's safety. As Peyton falls between the crossties a
The author, Ambrose Bierce, had actually served in the Civil War under the Union Army, First as a drummer boy and then eventually becoming a major by the end of the war; because of this he had first hand experience in the war and the events that took place. He is able to escape his fear by concentrating on what is around him. Peyton is willing to die for his loyalty to the south, and what he believes in. Another one of Peyton's character traits that is shown in the story is his level of awareness of his surroundings. It is a sad situation for Peyton and the price he had to pay for his devotion, but the cost of living is dying and that's one everybody pays. The author later reveals just how strong Peyton's devotion to the cause is: "No service was to humble to him to perform in aid of the South" (259). Even though he is warned of the possible outcome due to his actions, "any civilian caught interfering with the railroad, its bridges, tunnels or trains will be summarily hanged" (259), Peyton still decides to risk all that is important to him in an attempt to aid in the success of the Confederate Army. This characteristic is clearly seen in the author's description of Peyton. His final vision in his dream, before total darkness, is when he makes it to his plantation. Sometimes what we love is also what kills us, this statement holds true for Peyton and his dedication to the Confederacy. The sound that he can hear so distinctly is the ticking of his watch, which seems to generate a noise so loud that his ears hurt. As he stands on the bridge and prepares for his fate, "a piece of dancing driftwood caught his attention and his eyes followed it down the current" (258). Being a slave owner as well as a politician Peyton "was naturally an original secessionist and ardently devoted to the southern cause" (259). Striking through the thoughts of his dear ones was a sound which he could neither ignore or understand" (259). This fact is clearly evident in the author's clear depiction of the events and of the surroundings as well as his character descriptions.
Common topics in this essay:
Peyton Farquhar,
Unfortunately Peyton,
Union Army,
Army Peyton,
Ambrose Bierce,
southern cause,
Civil War,
Corinth Alabama,
Ambrose Bierce's,
Creek Bridge,
peyton farquhar,
story peyton,
Occurrence Owl,
peyton portrayed loving,
southern cause war,
loyalty south,
owner politician,
character traits,
slave owner,
family strong,
strong sense,
south southern cause,
story peyton portrayed,
loving family,
slave owner politician,
|
Acceptance Essays
