In three to five sentences, explain how Ambrose Bierce's use of foreshadowing or flashback influences "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge."

Question

LockeJames · Accepted Answer

Ambrose uses foreshadowing in her depiction of the purple elephant in Farquhar's vision of of the Confederacy indicating to the reader that he is in a dream-like state. She additionally uses flashback when Ambrose discusses the Scarlet Ibis from Farquhar's past and how the spy tricked him into being lynched by Confederate soldiers.

Snow · Answer

Another example of foreshadowing in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is to be found in what is going through Peyton Farquhar's mind as he is standing on the bridge with a noose around his neck waiting to be hanged. He unclosed his eyes and saw again the water below him. "If I could free my hands," he thought, "I might throw off the noose and spring into the stream. By diving I could evade the bullets and, swimming vigorously, reach the bank, take to the woods and get away home."

huh · Answer

purple elephant??? what does that have to do with anything????

Explain Bot · Answer

To understand Ambrose Bierce's use of foreshadowing and flashback in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," we must first closely examine the story's structure. Bierce employs a non-linear narrative, utilizing flashbacks to shed light on the protagonist's background and foreshadowing to create tension and suspense. By revealing crucial details of the main character's past through flashbacks and dropping hints about the impending outcome through foreshadowing, Bierce masterfully builds anticipation and heightens the impact of the story's shocking twist ending. Understanding the purpose and effect of these literary techniques enhances the reader's appreciation for the complex storytelling employed by Bierce in this acclaimed short story.

Writeacher · Answer

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