An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Name: An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
Author: Ambrose Bierce

By Ambrose Bierce

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

American Literature Short Stories

About This Book

A civilian stands on a railroad bridge with a rope about his neck while soldiers enforce his imminent execution. The account shifts between the measured present, recollections of how he came to be captured, and an elaborate imagined flight as he falls. Intense physical sensations and altered perception dominate the middle section, collapsing time and distinguishing inner experience from outward fact. A final, disorienting revelation reframes the imagined escape as illusion and returns attention to the literal, inescapable circumstances of the hanging.

About the Author

Ambrose Bierce

Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer, journalist, and Civil War veteran, known for his sharp wit and cynical perspective on life. His most famous work, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," is a poignant exploration of time and perception, often regarded as a classic of American literature. Bierce's writing spans various genres, including short stories, essays, and satirical pieces, with notable collections such as "Fantastic Fables" and "Can Such Things Be?" His unique style and dark humor have left a lasting impact on American literary heritage, making him a significant figure in the realm of 19th-century literature.