What do you think might have inspired the author to write this short story?
Job 3
When I was in the hospital getting ready for surgery because I had an infection several years ago, I remember being scared. One thing this story reminded me of, is how I was told to think of very positive things to help keep my mind calm when I otherwise would've felt very upset. I remember my mom telling me to imagine lying on a calm and peaceful beach with the sun shining. It's interesting how much this can help people. So much of our feelings are created by what our mind thinks about. This is why the Bible tells us in Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Farguahr was not unwise to think on beautiful things as he was being hung. Even in his last moments he was able to hold onto hope and dwell on positive things.
Good question, I am very stumbled myself. Did the author want to reveal how brutal the union army was? Or did he want to show us how easy it is to get tricked? I am very confused.
ReplyDeleteCould Bierce's life be the inspiration? I don't remember if I asked this group, but did anyone do research on Bierce?
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely possible. From what I've read, Bierce was a young man during the Civil War, and fought in several battles as part of the Union Army.
DeleteLike I said on Abby's blog I think the author really wanted to show how much we overlook because we don't want to see it. at least for me I wanted Fahrquhar to escape so I overlooked the obvious hints that it was all a dream.
ReplyDeleteThat's what happened with me. I didn't want to see any possibility of Peyton dying. He had a family!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOne idea that I keep encountering in relation to war and conflict is that there are always good people on both sides. Even if most of the people would not be called "good" exactly, every side in a conflict will always be made up of people. People who are passionate, who believe wholeheartedly that their values and beliefs are the "right" ones.
ReplyDeleteI think part of Bierce's inspiration to write An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge is to illustrate this point. The only character who is named is Peyton Farquhar, a southerner who we are initially not supposed to like. Over the course of the story, we slowly begin to sympathize with Peyton, wanting him to escape back to his family even though he is the "bad guy" in this scenario. From what we learn in our American history books, the South was made up of bad people, but I think Bierce wanted to demonstrate that this was not at all true. So he introduced us to Farquhar, a southern plantation owner who adores his family and wants to do his patriotic duty, just like many in the Union.
Anyway, that's my opinion, but I would love to hear what y'all think.