Showing results for "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" in Genre Fiction

Ambrose Bierce’s haunting short story An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge is a gripping tale of suspense and psychological depth. Set during the American Civil War, it follows the fate of Peyton Farquhar, a Confederate sympathizer who is condemned to hang at Owl Creek Bridge. As the noose tightens, Farquhar experiences a vivid dream of escape, leading to a startling and unforgettable conclusion.

Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce was born on 24th June 1842 at Horse Cave Creek in Meigs County, Ohio. His parents were poor but they introduced him to literature at an early age, instilling in him a deep appreciation of books, the written word and the elegance of language. In 1891 Bierce wrote and published the collection of 26 short stories which included ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’. Success and further works including poetry followed.

Famous for its irregular time sequence and twist ending, this is Bierce's most anthologized story.

A condemned man stands on the edge of a railroad bridge with a rope around his neck. The Union Army is preparing to hang him during a tumultuous period of the Civil War. His thoughts drift to that of his wife, his children, and his sacrifice for the great cause of the South.

In this classic by Ambrose Pierce, a soldier falls asleep during war times. When he awakens, he finds an enemy man on a horse - but struggles with himself on shooting him. Instead he shoots the horse, and a comrade sees the horse and the man falling through the sky.