An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Ambrose Bierce's "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a short story that is indispensable in any anthology of short stories. Located in the historic event that was the 1860 Civil War between the states of the North and the South, the author paints a feverish landscape where the outer vision is mixed with the subjectivity of the hero Peyton Fahrquhar, dragging and involving the reader into the phantasmal action where Peyton agonistes builds a parallel reality but far more superior and palatable than objective reality. Not only is the story suspenseful, but also well measured in its description of the landscape. Of course a war story has to be violent, yet in the midst of fighting the author manages to convey a message of fidelity, loyalty--and love for wife and family

Author: Ambrose Bierce
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 12/21/2012
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.09lbs
Size: 7.99h x 5.00w x 0.07d
ISBN: 9781481275507
Audience: Young Adult

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 7.9
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 7928 / Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

About the Author
Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce was an American editorialist, journalist, short story writer, fabulist, and satirist. Today, he is probably best known for his short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and his satirical lexicon The Devil's Dictionary. His vehemence as a critic, his motto "Nothing matters" and the sardonic view of human nature that informed his work all earned him the nickname "Bitter Bierce". Despite his reputation as a searing critic, Bierce was known to encourage younger writers, including poet George Sterling and fiction writer W. C. Morrow. Bierce employed a distinctive style of writing, especially in his stories. His style often embraces an abrupt beginning, dark imagery, vague references to time, limited descriptions, impossible events and the theme of war. In 1913, Bierce traveled to Mexico to gain first-hand experience of the Mexican Revolution. While traveling with rebel troops, he disappeared without a trace.


This title is not returnable