Bierce, Ambrose

Ambrose Bierce's 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' may owe its popularity to its realistic portrayal of a dream-state. The story's structure is psychologically realistic due to the weaving of external stimuli into the dream world of its protagonist, Farquhar. Each motion associated with Farquhar's hanging can be seen affecting the dream he and the reader are immersed in until the very last part of the story. Bierce's story is analyzed in relation to the dream theories of his day.

Describes the central pun in the book 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,' written by Ambrose Bierce. Suggestion of a hemp-assassin connection by the author's continuing interest in war; Appearance of the pun in the physical description of the character Farquhar; Portrayal of a narcotic hallucination through Farquhar's dream.

The Civil War. A nation torn apart. A war fought in great battles, and a war fought on a much smaller scale…within the minds and hearts of a nation’s young men. On a lonely bridge, a group of soldiers prepare for the somber task of hanging one of their countrymen, now an enemy, for sabotage. This classic retelling of Ambrose Bierce’s acclaimed story “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” from Tales of Soldiers and Civilians, begins on an isolated span and then transforms into a far-ranging journey through the mind and dreams of a man facing death. Starring Roger Jacquet, Anne Cornaly, and Anker Larsen. Directed by Robert Enrico. (25 minutes)