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Ambrose Bierce

Ambrose Bierce. “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”. Subject of many legends. “If you hear of my being stood up against a Mexican stone wall and shot to rags, please know that I think that a pretty good way to depart this life”. What is a lexicographer?. Ironies of war.

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Ambrose Bierce

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  1. Ambrose Bierce “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”

  2. Subject of many legends “If you hear of my being stood up against a Mexican stone wall and shot to rags, please know that I think that a pretty good way to depart this life” What is a lexicographer?

  3. Ironies of war • What are ironies of war? • Bierce was fascinated by the sudden, violent death that come to men in battle. • How might men die in battle? • This fascination reflects Bierce’s deep, even destructive, sense of irony about human beings as self-deluding fools

  4. The Devil’s Dictionary • Absurdity, n. A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one’s own opinion. • Discussion, n. A method of confirming others in their errors. • Habit, n. A shackle for the free • Selfish, adj. Devoid of consideration for the selfishness of others ***Note the truth, bitter as it is, and the irony and cynicism

  5. So you like The Devil’s Dictionary? • Bore, n. A person who talks when you wish him to listen. • Meekness, adj. an uncommon patience in planning a revenge that is worthwhile Explore The Devil’s Dictionary

  6. The futility of war • Sentimental glorification of battle by those who had not fought. • Shocking, escapable truths about life • The ironies of a violent death: the accidents by which one is spared and another taken, the defenses people erect to convince themselves that their own lives are sacred and their destinies are of their own choosing.

  7. “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” • Psychological portrait of a doomed man. • What does a doomed man (one about to be hanged, shot, injected) think? Do? Say? • Watch the video(Youtube, The Twilight Zone S05E22 An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge)

  8. Literary Terms • Irony • Point of view (part I) • Objective • Subjective • Flashback (part II) • Inference (part II)

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