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

My Response: 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

Your alternate ending to "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" presents an interesting shift in tone and theme. By allowing Peyton Farquhar to successfully escape, you create a narrative that emphasizes resilience and the power of hope. Here’s a more detailed exploration of how your ending could unfold and the implications of that change.

Alternate Ending

As Peyton Farquhar plunges into the river, instead of drowning in the illusory experience portrayed by Bierce, he finds himself swimming against the current with all his strength. The bullets from the soldiers whiz past, missing him completely as he maneuvers with surprising agility. Exhausted but determined, he recalls the laughter of his children and the warmth of his wife’s embrace, which fuels his desire to survive.

In this alternate reality, Farquhar gracefully navigates the challenges of the river, using his resourcefulness to evade capture. He makes a narrow escape through a dense thicket, listening to the chaos of the soldiers behind him fade into the distance. There’s a sense of triumph when he finally emerges on the riverbank, where he has the chance to find shelter and gather his thoughts.

As he walks towards his home, the landscape seems vibrant and alive, a stark contrast to the impending death that previously loomed over him. He encounters a few friendly faces along the way, people who offer help and companionship, reinforcing the theme of human connection. His reunion with his family turns into a heartwarming scene filled with gratitude, laughter, and the realization that life is precious, which culminates in a celebration of resilience against oppressive forces.

Why People Might Prefer This Ending

Readers might gravitate towards your ending due to its focus on hope and the celebration of life. It counteracts the pervasive sense of despair found in Bierce's original work. Many readers appreciate stories where the protagonist overcomes adversity and emerges victorious, especially following an intense and suspenseful journey. This sense of agency and triumph could resonate more deeply, providing a cathartic experience rather than the nihilism and fatalism of the original story.

Character Differences

• Peyton Farquhar: In Bierce's version, Farquhar is presented as a doomed figure caught in a tragic illusion, emphasizing the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. In your ending, he transforms into a resilient survivor, motivated by love and connection. Instead of succumbing to his fate, he becomes an embodiment of hope and human resilience.

• The Soldiers: They remain a faceless adversary in Bierce's narrative, representing the indifferent force of war. In your alternate ending, while they still pose a threat, the focus shifts more towards Farquhar’s perspective of survival and evasion, rather than the inevitable tragedy thrust upon him.

• The Setting: Bierce's story encapsulates a sense of foreboding and despair within its setting. In your version, the natural environment becomes a source of vitality and a symbol of hope as Farquhar navigates through it, highlighting the beauty of life that persists even in the face of danger.

Conclusion

Your alternate ending allows for a narrative that champions hope and resilience, offering readers a different emotional journey compared to the somber reflection on the futility of existence presented by Bierce. By shifting the focus to survival and connection, you create a more uplifting experience while still maintaining tension and suspense throughout the story. This reimagined conclusion illustrates the enduring power of the human spirit, making it a compelling alternative that readers might find refreshing and affirmatively engaging.