An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Pierce

Viteritto and Brady

“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Pierce

Study Guide

*The quiz on Friday, February 6, 2015 will consist of multiple choice questions and short answers. Please review the following facts about “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” and bring any questions to class on Thursday. *

-There are several points of view used in the story. A first person point of view uses a “personal voice.” When a first person point of view is used, note the words I, we, or us. A third person point of view is often noted as the “written voice.” When a third person point of view is used, note the words he, she, or it. An objective point of view is also used throughout the story. When an objective point of view is used, the writer simply states facts, remaining detached from the emotions of the characters. (Nothing in an objective point of view is left for interpretation-it is factual).

-Peyton Farquhar was a southern planter during the Civil War. He was tricked by a Union spy and tried to burn down a Union bridge. Due to his actions, he is condemned to death by being hung.

-The story begins with Farquhar standing on the Oak Creek Bridge during Part I. The rope is tied to his neck. When Farquhar falls through the bridge in Part III, he has been hung.

-Through the sequence of events, the point of view changes throughout the sections of the story. The sequence of events helps readers to understand how the different parts of the story relate to one another.

-Peyton Farquhar’s senses are heightened prior to his death. Farquhar tries to “escape” his death by thinking about the normalcies of his life, including his family. His thoughts are interrupted by sounds, such as the ticking of his watch. Farquhar realizes that the noose is tightening through his senses as well. An example is when he imagines he is walking through the forest, he has trouble feeling the ground (this parallels the pain he is feeling).

-As Peyton Farquhar is waiting for his death, he imagines himself escaping from the soldiers and then running through the woods to go meet his family.

-Foreshadowing is used throughout the story to explain to the readers why Farquhar is being hung.

-The Union Soldiers are silent on the bridge because during the Civil War, executions were considered serious, dignified ceremonies.

-Readers sympathize with Peyton Farquhar because he was tricked.

-Farquhar’s Ultimate Accomplishment: Although Farquhar appears to “escape” his death by escaping from the soldiers, running through the woods, and meeting his family, many readers are shocked because he is put to death by being hung at the end of the story.