The short story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," by Ambrose Bierce, carries a heavy theme: perception can be unreliable when our own desirable outcome contradicts that which reality provides. In other words, reality isn't as easily grasped when the option of giving in to a more appealing illusion is possible. It becomes obvious Bierce's story reiterates this theme through the perspective of the first time reader and the protagonist. On the surface this seems like a quintessential work of realism but in fact, as the conclusion reveals, it is anything but. The first half of the story, the reader is given little cause to question the narrator's statements as anything but real in the context of that world. The audience accompanies Farquhar as he makes his grand escape from Owl Creek Bridge. With soldiers everywhere, and Farquhar being bound and attached to a noose, the possibility of an escape seems a bit farfetched. Despite such a situation, our protagonist escapes. Within the description, there is foreshadowing that it is all an illusion. Bierce's tone suddenly changes when Farquhar is able to unbind his wrists. "What splendid effort-what magnificent, what superhuman strength! Ah, that was a fine endeavor! Bravo! (90)" This quote comes off as sarcastic, which is in stark contrast to the rest of Bierce's narrative style in the story. Upon surfacing the water, his physical senses became "preternaturally keen and alert" with a body so attentive, "they made record of things never before perceived" (91). All this talk of supernatural powers, the idea of reality seems highly unlikely. However, the first time reader, in general, overlooks these subtle hints and gives into the idea of the protagonist 'winning' because the reader is given an option to. This desirable illusion is easier to swallow, thus making Farquhar's acceptance of his fantasy understandable.
