Imagery In An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge

Ambrose Bierce displays writing skills in the short story, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” that create an unforgettable tale. By using key literary devices, the author takes the reader through an emotional journey. Imagery, being prominently in display throughout the story, gives the most total effect. Because of this literary element the author creates a world in which the readers immerse themselves in their imaginations. Within this imagery the author includes symbolism to further enhance the text. The author does not just use imagery to create a world, but he also creates an attachment to the characters. All of these play into the plot resulting in the impactful twist ending. In Ambrose Bierce’s “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,”

Without deeper messages entangled with imagery, the story would have a weak effect on the audience. For example, “A rope closely encircled his neck. It was attached to a stout cross-timber above his head and the slack fell to the level of his knees” (22). The noose tied around his neck, symbolizes imprisonment; this rope will be the cause of his death. This section also contains strong imagery by depicting the exact situation. The story also states, “Its recurrence was regular, but as slow as the tolling of a death knell...The intervals of silence grew progressively longer; the delays became maddening” (23). As the story continues, it reveals that the condemned man’s watch acts as the object he hears. This watch displays the symbol of time running out. This man stares at death as he awaits his fate, and the passing time “became maddening.” The authors combines the senses of hearing and feel to enhance the symbolism of time. The passage says, “A strange, roseate light shone through the spaces among their trunks and the wind made in their branches the music of æolian harps. He had no wish to perfect his escape—was content to remain in that enchanting spot until retaken” (29). The author writes this section just after the man escapes into the woods. This forest symbolises freedom. The condemned man tears off the noose, and after evading his captors, finds a sense of peace

The powerful imagery can transport readers into a world limited only by their imaginations. Bierce has ways of wording the text where time itself seems to stand still. The symbols the author inserts throughout the text causes a meaningful development of the story. The noose, watch, and forest, all meticulously described, show key elements throughout the writing. In addition, Bierce carefully describes the protagonist to make a connections to the readers. This connection allows the author to include stabbing imagery that has a hard impact on his audience. Ambrose Bierce produced a story full of imagery that evokes senses, includes significant meaning, and creates a heartfelt