Plot and Structure Analysis on "An occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"

“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”

                The success of a story depends highly on the structure of the plot. The plot links events

together for the reader to comprehend, draw emotion for the reader and serves as a memento.  In

“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” the plot is put together very well.  The author uses all

Aspects of the story to produce a jaw dropping ending.

   

                 The passage begins with the man standing on the bridge preparing to be executed.  This is

the introduction to a conflict between the young southern man and the North’s army. In order to

have an interesting plot there is always a conflict, however it does not have to be between two

people.  One can have conflict with nature, objects, or within themselves ; such as goals, fears and

following dreams.  In order to have a conflict each story should include an Antagonist and a

Protagonist. The protagonist would be Peyton considering he’s an innocent civilian. The Antagonist

would include all members of the Northern army. By incorporating an Antagonist and a

Protagonist  the readers create their own opinion based on their feelings and prior knowledge on

the subject. They empathy the characters which sets a realistic tone and mood.

                   As the man stands on the wooden planks waiting to meet death, he flashbacks to

a time when he lived free and innocent with his wife and children. A flashback is often used within

a story to give the reader more detail on the leading events to the conflict. The flashback introduces

the main character by his name, Peyton Farquhar. The reader feels more relatable to the leading

character by knowing his former life.

                The author is incredibly clever when it comes to a twisted ending. He tricks the audience

by creating a false delighted outcome.  When Peyton comes bursting out of the water the sun

gleams down hard upon his face.  The author uses key components like sunshine to make one

believe the ending  would be a graceful series of luck.  One might relate sunshine to happiness and

joy however, the conclusion is simply the opposite. When Peyton wakes from a hope filled dream

the army officials drop him to his last seconds. By using an element of surprise the author plays

with the reader’s emotion, creating a satisfying yet saddening memento .

 

               Plot is a huge aspect of everything one reads, from poems to novels. The plot in  “An

Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” uses every detail to create an epic ending. Each section of the

plot has a valid purpose. One needs to evaluate each action and never take a single detail for

granted.