4.04: What Happened at Owl Creek Bridge?

The Virtual Times

Opinion

Known as "Bitter Bierce," Ambrose Bierce was a newspaper columnist, essayist, short story writer, novelist, and soldier. He was one of 13 children in his family, all of whom had names beginning with the letter "A."

Bierce contributed a great deal to the American writing scene, and his story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is read by students across the nation.

In this story, you will see a conflicted main character and some surprising plot twists. Be sure to read carefully and pay special attention to the conclusion of the story.

Open and print the Fishbone Graphic Organizer. While you are reading, pay careful attention to Farquhar's (the main character) flashbacks. When he has flashbacks you will fill in the Cause sections of the organizer. Fill in the Details portion of the fishbone with details about his flashbacks. These causes and details should lead you to fill in the ultimate Result on the organizer and help you understand the story's ending.

Read "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge."

Find out

what was Ambrose Bierce's nickname.
why this short story is one of the most engaging stories portraying the Civil War.
what literary devices does Bierce use to create suspense in this story.