Ironist Perspective In An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge

An ironist is a writer that describes a person with positive and powerful attributes, who looks to have everything figured out, but then an event occurs that reverses the previous sentiment about the person. The person is no longer perfect but has faults. An ironist uses the universe and compares it to the fragile nature of humans. Ambrose Bierce reveals this ironist perspective through his story tittles “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.” In his story he explains in great detail a man about to be hanged for the offences that he has taken. This man is later discovered as being well known and liked in his town. “Peyton Farquhar was a well-to-do planter, of an old and highly respected Alabama family”(469). Peyton is now being hanged for planning to sabotage the union army, from the inside. Peyton …show more content…
As the captain steps off of his designated beam, Peyton was sent flying to his death of being hanged. Even though this was a sure way of killing him, Peyton survives and plunges into the river below due to the noose breaking. His efforts were described as “superhuman” and a “fine endeavor”(471). He fights even though faced with extreme pain and swims to the surface of the water with great power. Then he looked back up at the bridge from where he fell only to see one of his executors who has great aim with a gun aimed to shoot him. Peyton dives deep into the river in hopes to avoid the gunfire. “His brain was as energetic as his arms and legs; he thought with the rapidity of lightening”(472). He then is able to avoid the cannons being shot at him with great skill. Peyton escapes into the forest escaping all life threatening danger. He then uses the thought of his family as he continues to trek through the forest. He walks all night and finally arrives at the door of his family. “He must have traveled the entire night”(473). Peyton sees his beautiful wife and opens up his arms to embrace her. His