In the story, we witness the stark contrast between Ambrose Bierce’s world and our own. From the outset, it becomes clear that in today’s society, no one would be hanged or executed for tampering with a bridge.
Peyton Farquhar, a wealthy Southern man, was born into a life of luxury with a wife, children, land, and slaves. Despite his privileged upbringing, he constantly felt unfulfilled due to his inability to join the army, which he believed would make him a true man. Consequently, he eagerly undertook any task to support the South and prove his worth. Although Farquhar was unaware of the risks involved, his efforts to tamper with the bridge were not entirely successful. Nevertheless, the sense of liberation and heroism he experienced prior to his demise made him feel more alive than ever.
Looking back at Farquhar’s imagined journey back to his house, one starts to realize that the pains and emotions he experienced were akin to those of a man being hanged rather than someone who had just escaped. Firstly, upon entering the dense forest, Farquhar was taken aback by its wildness, being unaware of the region he lived in. The unfamiliar pattern of stars that night further added to his surprise. He also mentions the discomfort in his neck and congested ears, which can be attributed to the immense pressure exerted by the noose on his head and neck. Farquhar also endured an intense thirst causing his tongue to swell, yet this swelling was a result of the rope’s tight grip. Moving forward on the path less traveled, symbolizing death’s avenue, Farquhar lost all sensation of the ground beneath his feet. It felt as if he was walking on air, a clear indication of impending hanging.
Peyton is aware of a loud and distinct sound while he is trying to focus on his wife and children. The sound is coming from his pocket watch, which appears to be incredibly loud due to the perception that time is slowing down. In this moment, Farquhar employs a clever technique by closing his eyes and directing his attention towards the environment surrounding him. By memorizing these surroundings, he is able to mentally map out his escape plan and determine the specific movements he will need to execute.
Another inconsistency that could suggest to the reader that the escape was just a hallucination was the difference in water speed. Farquhar observes the slow movement of the water and driftwood while on the bridge. However, when he finds himself in the water, he is shocked to realize that the current has carried him far downstream from the bridge and into danger.
Bierce provides historical perspective by describing the military, including the positioning of the men and the attention to terminology. He emphasizes the language used by the military, which aligns with his theme of historical and geographical perspective.
When analyzing An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, the narrative explores how one man confronts his impending death. While some individuals accept their fate, others resist until the very end. However, Peyton Farquhar takes a different approach. Instead of following either path, he opts to envision himself as someone entirely different – a warrior. Throughout his existence, Farquhar yearned to be a soldier and a hero. Immersed in constant daydreams of valor, it comes as no surprise that he utilizes his final moments to indulge in this fantasy once more. In my personal viewpoint, I consider Peyton Farquhar to be an individual lacking courage who never had to exert himself throughout his entire lifetime.
