An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

by Ambrose Bierce

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge: Style 1 key example

Style
Explanation and Analysis:

Ambrose Bierce’s blunt and direct writing style is very characteristic of the realist genre. His writing is straightforward and full of matter-of-fact descriptions, both of the setting and of Farquhar’s own thoughts and actions. This is evident throughout the story, from his descriptions of the soldiers to his narration of Farquhar’s perceived escape. One such example comes from the first section of the story: 

Midway of the slope between bridge and fort were the spectators — a single company of infantry in line, at “parade rest,” the butts of the rifles on the ground, the barrels inclining slightly backward against the right shoulder, the hands crossed upon the stock. A lieutenant stood at the right of the line, the point of his sword upon the ground, his left hand resting upon his right.