The Quest for Heroism in An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
In An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, Ambrose Bierce portrays the tragic end of the life of the main character, Peyton Farquhar. Paradoxically, Farquhar strives for recognition as a hero, but dies dishonorably. During the Civil War, Farquhar is denied acceptance into the Confederate Army. Still wanting to be a hero, he is caught attempting to burn Owl Creek Bridge. Ironically, he is hanged on that very bridge as punishment. Having had his own experience as a Union officer in the Civil War, Ambrose Bierce illustrates how someti…
