An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

The title of Ambrose Bierce's short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is an understatement that belies how profound the subject matter of the story is. The "occurrence" is the hanging of a Confederate civilian operative by the Union Army. "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce in which Peyton Farquhar prepares to be executed and dreams of escape. ... Returning to the moment of his hanging, Farquhar loses consciousness. In his mind, Farquhar escapes, but the execution is ultimately successful. Historical fiction stories like "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" preserved the memory of the war. The story also reproduces the emotions of a man shortly before, and during, his death. Farquhar's imaginary journey is a physical and emotional adventure.