• DragonTypeWyvern
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    12
    ·
    2 months ago

    These are great, but I want to point out that Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge is actually based as hell and a whirlwind tour of justice in action, as a Confederate slaver, self described “student of hanging,” traitor and saboteur is hanged while fantasizing about how cool it’d be if he miraculously survived the consequences of his despicable and pointless actions.

    The most interesting metaphor at work is the comparison of the Confederacy itself to the school of Romantism getting a reality check from the Realism of the Union, and how even the fantasy itself is futile, as the savvy reader should have asked themselves “What then?” even if he actually did escape. The Union forces are well aware who Farquhar is, as he learned about the bridge from a disguised Union Scout who clearly understood his intentions.