This was another case of well-written and an interesting idea well executed, but not one that significantly piqued my interest. I think I get why so many people love it and understand that its impact is somewhat lessened for me from when it was written.

I'd be lying if my hatred of pro-slavery scum, execution, and any kind of revelling in the death and suffering of even the worst people didn't effect my ability to connect with the story or care about just how clever the use of language and allusions are (some of it is very on the nose to be honest). ( )

Short stories usually don't offer enough scope for development of characters, plot and atmosphere due to their limited length, so, in the majority of cases, they have to be pretty well-written in order to convince me of their literary significance and basic factors which may help me keep the story in mind.

"An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge" was extremely well-written. Upon first reading the story, it was mostly the atmosphere of the writing and the plot's main features which attracted my attention, but I didn't quite understand everything which was outlined during the short extent of the story. The cleverly devised and well-thought-out tale, divided into three parts as a structural device, is mostly revealed by rereading it, for Ambrose Bierce successfully tampers with his reader's expectations, exploring his protagonist's mind and developing an interesting background with roots in the American Civil War.

To me, Bierce's short story - the first, but certainly not the last work I've read from this author - will be remembered as being outstanding and thought-provoking, and thus I can with clear conscience recommend reading it if you're prepared for a fast, but not ordinary short story with connections to the American history.

"Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him. In the code of military etiquette silence and fixity are forms of deference."

Thanks to KOHEY.Y for bringing this fine work to my attention. ( )

The story of a Southern man, a civilian, sentenced to hang at the time of the Civil War. Bierce opens with the hanging already in progress, the noose around his neck. From there the story is one of survival, the desire to live, what it is to expect your death. Bierce is a masterful storyteller and there is no feeling that the story should contain more than it does or that it uses a single superfluous word.

Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him. In the code of military etiquette silence and fixity are forms of deference.

This is an execution and Bierce sets a mood that made me squirm with discomfort. I was as unable to remain still as the soldiers were to move.
( )

Great classic horror stories. I enjoyed them. ( )

Good. Twisty ending. ( )