Showing results for "Owls" in War & Military

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce is a gripping short story that masterfully blends psychological suspense with the brutal realities of war. Set during the American Civil War, the narrative follows Peyton Farquhar, a Southern planter condemned to hang from a railroad bridge for attempting to sabotage Union forces. As the noose tightens, Farquhar experiences a vivid and surreal escape that blurs the line between illusion and reality.

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.

Ambrose Bierce ist 71 Jahre alt, als er, unter bis heute nicht geklärten Umständen, 1913 in Mexiko verschwindet, um nie wieder aufzutauchen. Er hatte viele Feinde, wofür er auch selbst eine Menge getan hat. Seine scharfe Feder, mit der er als Journalist und Autor zu Werke ging, war gefürchtet. Er galt als scharfzüngiger Satiriker und streitsüchtiger Misanthrop. Blättert man durch diverse Biografien über ihn, findet man darin reichlich Bestätigung. Aber er war noch mehr als nur ein streitbarer Charakter: Er war auch ein Meister des Erzählens und ein äußerst scharfsichtiger Beobachter der Dinge um ihn her.