An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge - Assignment Example

The major conflict of the story for me is found in the struggle between reality and thoughts of man. I say so because as Peyton Farquhar was caught trampling with the bridge which earned him an execution without any chance of explanation and while he was about to be hung, his mind creates his own reality of being able to escape that fate where the rope that entangles him snaps, allowing him to run away from the soldiers around him, swim as fast as he can to get home and eventually be able to embrace his wife.

However, as his arms were about to wrap his wife’s body, the whole story goes back to reality where he actually is hung to death. Some of the minor conflicts within the story happened inside Peyton Farquhar’s imagination during his escape from his execution. One of which would be the unsuccessful hanging of himself when the rope snaps and he manages to be set free. Another would be whether he would be able to swim and not drown or get shot while he runs home to his wife. After these conflicts were revealed in the story, just like any hopeful reader who wants a happy ending, I expected Peyton Farquhar to at least be able to see and hug his wife for the last time, though not totally being able to escape execution. . Putting the context in Peyton Farquhar’s character, I would say that it was very believable and almost a reality because of the mental unrest and confusion that is alive in Farquhar’s mind not only because of the situation of being executed but also the kind of era and environment he was born into which is characterized by scarcity and hardships.

Analyzing the whole purpose of the author in writing the story, I think it would be to highlight the effects of the American Civil War in its society and people which was successfully infused in the story. After the war, people have become distrustful in the government, anxious, and developed an endless desire for a favorable economic and political conditions. Just like Farquhar who was a product of the war, he embraced his desire to have peace and a better life by creating an illusion that he is able to escape the turmoil and execution he was about to get into and be with his wife.

I really liked the story because unlike other stories, this short story had an element of surprise. When you thought you already knew what was going to happen, think again, because you can be a bit far off from the resolution the author had in mind. Aside from that, although a lot about it hinged on American history, specifically the American Civil War, it was able to bring about relevant lessons one could learn from and still think about even after reading it. One of which would be how it emphasized the conflict between reality and imagination which can cause a lot of disconnect, misunderstanding, and fruitless idealism in today’s society.

After reading the story, I felt the need to not necessarily stop myself from dreaming or imagining things I desire for my life, but to