Realism
Chase Christy
Mrs. Hale
ENG III-5
21 October 2012
Final Copy
In reading “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” one can obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of American Realism, such as the untold truth, grim negative points, and expression through dialogue. Ambrose Bierce, through the use of his short story, illustrates that events can happen in American society day in and day out regardless of perception.
American Realism erupted during the 1865-1910 time period, the era following the civil war. Ambrose Bierce, the author of the short story, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”, is a realist author who was prior a Union officer.(Painter) Through this life changing experience Ambrose Bierce had near death experiences and one can assume that he is somewhat attached to death in the way he begins and ends his stories (Lutz). During the important realism literary time period many authors elaborated on what “Realism” is and how it affected the lives of many as opposed to few. "Realism sets itself at work to consider characters and events which are apparently the most ordinary and uninteresting, in order to extract from these their full value and true meaning (Geroge). The concept of realism is one’s daily experiences that happen occur day in and day out regardless of perception (Realism, In Philosophy). From the eventful, to the uneventful happenings throughout ones day, most events occur subconsciously (George). Peyton Farquhar, the main character from the story, adheres to this philosophy. By using a “rapidly placed plot” and fine detail the reader continues to read, dropping all pre conceived knowledge (Samide). Taking ones pre obtained knowledge of assuming the end of the story, Ambrose Bierce elaborates and recreates the body of a story into an exciting adventure. In short, realism reveals. Where we thought nothing worth of notice, it shows everything to be rife with significance"(George). American realism authors like, Ambrose Bierce, create
Mrs. Hale
ENG III-5
21 October 2012
Final Copy
In reading “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” one can obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of American Realism, such as the untold truth, grim negative points, and expression through dialogue. Ambrose Bierce, through the use of his short story, illustrates that events can happen in American society day in and day out regardless of perception.
American Realism erupted during the 1865-1910 time period, the era following the civil war. Ambrose Bierce, the author of the short story, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”, is a realist author who was prior a Union officer.(Painter) Through this life changing experience Ambrose Bierce had near death experiences and one can assume that he is somewhat attached to death in the way he begins and ends his stories (Lutz). During the important realism literary time period many authors elaborated on what “Realism” is and how it affected the lives of many as opposed to few. "Realism sets itself at work to consider characters and events which are apparently the most ordinary and uninteresting, in order to extract from these their full value and true meaning (Geroge). The concept of realism is one’s daily experiences that happen occur day in and day out regardless of perception (Realism, In Philosophy). From the eventful, to the uneventful happenings throughout ones day, most events occur subconsciously (George). Peyton Farquhar, the main character from the story, adheres to this philosophy. By using a “rapidly placed plot” and fine detail the reader continues to read, dropping all pre conceived knowledge (Samide). Taking ones pre obtained knowledge of assuming the end of the story, Ambrose Bierce elaborates and recreates the body of a story into an exciting adventure. In short, realism reveals. Where we thought nothing worth of notice, it shows everything to be rife with significance"(George). American realism authors like, Ambrose Bierce, create