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Read "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce.

Consider how the story could end differently, and brainstorm an alternate ending.

Complete this brainstorming document to help you think about how you will change this story.

Submit the completed brainstorming document to the drop box below.

Type the last line of the story you have chosen.

In your own words, tell how the story ended.

1 answer

Brainstorming Document for Alternate Ending of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"

  1. Original Ending Summary: In the original ending of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," Peyton Farquhar, who has been captured and is about to be hanged, experiences a vivid hallucination where he escapes and successfully makes his way back to his home. However, just as he reaches his wife and is about to embrace her, the story reveals that he never actually escaped; he was hanged, and the entire escape was a mere illusion experienced in his final moments before death.

  2. Possible Alternate Ending Ideas:

    • Successful Escape: Instead of being captured and hanged, Farquhar might successfully escape and manage to evade Union soldiers, experiencing real freedom. The story could explore his life as a fugitive in the South, presenting moral dilemmas and the impact of the war on his psyche and family.

    • Clever Deception: Farquhar could use his wits to outsmart his captors. After being taken prisoner, he might stage a fake execution, using the chaos of battle to slip away unnoticed, leading to a plot of subterfuge and guerilla warfare against Union forces.

    • Moral Choices: After escaping, Farquhar could be faced with a choice between returning home to his family or joining forces with other Confederate sympathizers. His decision could lead to a more complex exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the nature of courage.

    • Realization and Redemption: Instead of escaping physically, Farquhar might have a moment of enlightenment during his desperate journey back. This realization could show him the futility of war and violence, leading him to surrender peacefully, hoping to change his fate through diplomacy rather than through conflict.

  3. Last Line of Alternate Ending: “He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his choices, and turned back toward the approaching soldiers, his heart set on a different kind of victory.”

  4. How the Alternate Ending Could Work: In this version, Farquhar's journey after his supposed escape is instead a journey of self-discovery. Rather than reaching his wife in a physical sense, he may learn that what he truly longs for is peace and understanding rather than conflict. The story could end on a note of moral complexity, highlighting themes of redemption and the desire for peace in the wake of war.

By exploring these different scenarios, the alternate ending offers a fresh perspective on Farquhar's character and the implications of his choices during the American Civil War.

Feel free to adapt or expand upon any of these ideas as needed!