In An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, Bierce tests the limits between "truth" and "lies", forcing the reader to see beyond the apparent reality of Peyton Farquhar.
If there is one universal truth throughout this story, it is that Peyton Farquhar was a man who meant well. He meant well for his daughter, for his wife, and for the South. As for the rest, there is a little more room for interpretation. From the very beginning of the story, Bierce draws the reader in with his incredible attention to detail. It is nearly impossible for the reader not to feel connected to Peyton Farquhar's story of his great escape. From the feeling of a tightened noose grasping the very fibers of his neck, to the slow and steady movements of a piece of driftwood upon a stream, an outside observer feels connected to these so called “truths”.
In life, it is sometimes easier to believe the lie in order to save someone from the pain of the reality. In Peyton Farquhar’s case this is definitely true. He knew his fate was sealed the minute the noose was around his neck, but who is to blame him for the reality he chose to believe? One of my favorite quotes by anonymous is, “If you create your own reality; nothing is unattainable.” Peyton Faruhar’s reality let him see his wife one more time before his death. It let him defy the odds and push his limits. It let him live his one last great adventure.
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