An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

by Ambrose Bierce

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge: Motifs 1 key example

Definition of Motif

A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of... read full definition
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—The Color Gray:

A prominent motif throughout the story is the color gray, which serves as a representation of the violence and death that come along with war. One example comes in the flashback that describes the soldier approaching Farquhar’s home:

One evening while Farquhar and his wife were sitting on a rustic bench near the entrance to his grounds, a gray-clad soldier rode up to the gate and asked for a drink of water.