An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

            “On cloud eight” is a common used phrase to demonstrate that feeling of always being one step behind perfection and satisfaction “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” written by Ambrose Bierce, demonstrates how a man can have all his valuables torn away from him even when he is so close to achieving that personal satisfaction and perfection. By having his beloved family at just at finger tip’s reach, his death is pure torture when revealed to him to what he can never have again.

            Sentenced to death, the main character Peyton Farquhar relives all of his happiest moments in his head with his family, trying to make the crucial punishment not so brutal. After succeeding his nearly impossible escape he finds himself back into the arms of his beloved family once again. He had finally reached that cloud nine. Shouting with relief Peyton “Ah, how beautiful she is! He springs forward with extended arms. As he is about to clasp her, he feels a stunning blow upon the shock of a cannon – then all is darkness and silence!” (198).

To be that close to the one thing you love, then getting shot down right after must be agonizing. To be one inch away from that cloud nine. Luckily, Peyton did not have to go through the pain of the downfall due to such a quick death. Hopefully he will die with the memories of his last sight being his wife.