Question

How does the structure of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” affect readers' understanding of the story?

Answer 1

Bierce used the literary technique of flashback in his stories. When authors use flashbacks in their works, it can be difficult to keep track of the chronological order of the story's events. Ambrose Bierce uses flashbacks and flash-forwards in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.” In section 1 of the story, the reader sees a man on a bridge with a noose around his neck and surrounded by soldiers. It’s apparent that the soldiers aim to execute the man, but the reason for his execution is unknown, so some readers might sympathize with the man at this point. Section 2 uses a flashback and shows the circumstances leading to the man being on the verge of execution on the bridge. Readers now learn the man’s history and realize that it’s the man’s foolhardiness that got him into trouble. In section 3, the author uses a flash-forward but tricks the reader into believing that the events taking place are in the present. It's only at the end of the story that readers realize that the man on the bridge never escaped the noose around his neck.