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

Question

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

Why would people rather read your ending than the author’s?

Explain how the characters are different at the end of your story vs. the author’s story

I would pivot from the story's main theme of despair and illusion into resilience and hope. This would underpin the whole idea of the will of man in his yearning for connection that would, thereby, allow the core theme to be more cheering than despairful. A rising emotional pitch could occupy the land, but the ending should celebrate life instead of being a tragic paradox. Even so, it will still remain tense and suspenseful and tempered with a closure that celebrates the protagonist's survival and reasserts the value of human relationships against adversity.
In a different version of the conclusion, instead of rendering the escape of Farquhar as a rather fantastical yet ill-fated experience just extending up to his dying, let us presume the escape to be successful and full with flesh and blood. As he plunges into the fast river from swinging on the bridge, the soldier does evade the bullets and, more so, remains alive. As he swims away from the soldiers, he reflects upon his family and the life he dreads returning to therefore, inspiring hope and furtherance in the readers.

Answer 1

Alternate Ending for "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"

As Peyton Farquhar plunges into the river, the bullets whiz past him, but instead of meeting his demise, he expertly dodges the firing soldiers. The cold water envelops him as he swims vigorously downstream, propelled by the sheer will to survive and return to his beloved family. The current is strong, but Farquhar's determination gives him strength. He thinks of his wife and children waiting for him, the warmth of his home, and the life he longs to continue.

With each stroke, he feels a renewed sense of purpose. The sounds of the soldiers fade, replaced by the soothing rush of the river and the gentle rustling of leaves along the banks. Farquhar reaches a secluded section of the river, where the water widens and slows. He pulls himself onto the muddy bank, gasping for air but gratefully alive.

As he sits on the bank, catching his breath, he hears the sweet sounds of nature surrounding him—a symphony of birds, the chattering of squirrels, and the rustling of the wind through the trees. He takes a moment to soak it all in, realizing that life is precious and worth fighting for.

Gathering his resolve, Farquhar pushes himself to his feet, feeling the weight of despair lift as the hope of reunion with his loved ones ignites a fire within him. He begins to make his way back home, knowing he will have to navigate through challenges and danger, but reassured by the thought of embracing his family once more.

As the sun begins to set, casting golden light through the trees, he sees a familiar path. The thought of his wife’s welcoming smile, their children’s laughter, and the life they will build together reinforces his step. Farquhar exemplifies resilience, a man renewed by the will to overcome and connect with those he loves.

Why Readers Might Prefer This Ending

Readers might prefer this alternate ending because it shifts the narrative tone from despair and illusion to resilience and hope. It emphasizes the strength of human spirit and the possibility of survival despite the odds. The promise of life, love, and the enduring bonds of family provides a more uplifting conclusion, which can resonate with readers who appreciate stories that celebrate perseverance against adversity.

Character Differences

In Bierce's original tale, Peyton Farquhar undergoes a poignant transformation from a hopeful man yearning for freedom to a tragic figure whose very escape is shown ultimately to be a hallucination before his execution. The themes of illusion and inevitable demise reflect the bleakness of war and existence.

In this alternate version, Farquhar is characterized by resilience and determination rather than futility. He retains a connection to reality and acts on his instincts to survive. As he escapes, he transforms from a victim of circumstance into an active protagonist who takes charge of his fate. His deeper connection to his family and the appreciation for life shift his role from a tragic figure to a hopeful survivor, providing a more triumphant narrative arc and invoking a sense of triumph against despair.