Themes In The Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge By James Baldwin

In the short story Sonny’s Blues, by James Baldwin and short story The Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, by Ambrose Bierce, the narrators included related events throughout the short stories. For instance the protagonists, Sonny and Farquhar, both dealt with family affairs and getting punished due to their past actions. However, the two short stories, both share similar, yet different symbols that connected to the protagonists, the theme of not everyone gets a second chance, which includes a style of foreshadowing and flashbacks. In light of Baldwin, symbolism got implied to the good and the bad. For example, the narrator described a trembling cup, highlighting the difficult position Sonny is placed in. By which, in the bible the trembling cup symbolizes suffering and fear that …show more content…
Nevertheless, Farquhar couldn’t accept “Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him.” This is where the short story shifted from a neutral tone to gloomy tone. Farquhar foreshadowed by making the reader think that he got away and was able to see his wife for the last time. As he came back to reality he faced his death. Whereas, Sonny created hatred and loving tone towards Harlem. As if Sonny remembers he was once in those streets. As he looked down to the streets seeing, “All that hatred down there,” he said. “All that hatred and misery and love. It’s a wonder it doesn’t blow the avenue apart.” Eternally what Sonny did in the streets of Harlem will forever be in his mind it is what sent him to prison, and ruined his family. Harlem is neither horrible nor a great place, but he will forever have flashbacks of what he did in them. The authors had a purpose for flashbacks and foreshadowing, in which created suspense and