Many American authors have written stories about the Confederate Civil War. Ambrose Bierce has been one of the most popular authors whose writings have stood the test of time. His own distinction in the Confederate Union Army provides a parallel in his own writings. In the justly famous short story “An Event at Owl Creek Bridge” (Bierce 551), Ambrose Bierce creates a compelling account of reality that bridges apparent spirituality through his effective use of characters, settings, and symbolism . Peyton Farquhar is a wealthy citizen of a highly acclaimed Alabama family (553) and distinctive stature. He demonstrates a self-provoked need to get involved in a way no other ordinary citizen would dare; however, he is not a Confederate soldier. He is a devoted and loving husband, who has visions of his beautiful wife, "the Lady" (553) who is the center of his existence, and she resides with him on a large enclosed tree-lined plantation in the north from Alabama. He is a slave owner and because he is a planter, he devotes himself to the South and the cause of the wars. He is a busy man, a politician, and wants to participate in the Confederate Civil War efforts in order to establish his own worth; he will protect his interests and for his own glory. Therefore, he chooses to involve himself in espionage and provocative interference in an attempt to somehow feel like an important contributor. He failed to consider the many lives he could endanger through his own selfish actions, but nonetheless risk losing his life. The story takes place during the Confederate Civil War in the American South and northern Alabama. the context of the bridge is critical for what Bierce is middle of paper...... pathetic, is condemned to be hanged, and he has an extraordinary response through the manifestation of thoughts. He looks for a way to escape, but his only means of escape is through his mind. Bierce exploits the reality of Farquhar's mental quest for freedom through twists and turns that revolve around the inevitable hanging. Furthermore, through defiance, regret and symbolism, Bierce's writing is delightfully linked to a unique parallel representation and, therefore, he conveys a strange connection through nature and a spiritual perpetuity. Subsequently, the short story “An Event at Owl Bridge Creek” (Bierce 551) leaves a mysterious and astonishing suspended impression. Works Cited Ambrose, Bierce. "An Event at Owl Creek Bridge" Norton's Introduction to Literature. Eleventh ed. shorter. Ed. Kelly J. Mays. New York: Norton, 2013, pp. 551 - 557. Print.