Writing Style of Washington Irving- Irving was a romantic writer. Instead of saying I see, he would say I feel. There are romantic, scary, supernatural, fear, terror, and horror characteristics to Irving's writing.

Writing Style of Ambrose Bierce- Bierce wrote Realism books. Usually there is a narrator who tells the outside actions and not the characters feelings or thoughts. The narrator's opinion stays silent through the book.

I like Bierce's style of writing better. Bierce has a better description of the natural surroundings. Both of these stories have dark themes, and supernatural elements. The events of the book are different, except they both end with the death of a protagonist. I think that Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge is better than the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I liked the characters of Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge better than the characters of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The characters of Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge were less developed, but I found the plot and characters of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow annoying.

Thinking Question

Based on this reading, what side of the Civil War do you think Bierce was on? I know, but I want to hear your opinions before I tell you!

Line Illuminator 

"Peyton Farquhar was dead; his body, with a broken neck, swung gently from side to side beneath the timbers of Owl Creek bridge." - Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, page 16

 The closing line from the book is one of the most depressing lines from Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. Farquhar was so close to hugging his wife after being through a horrific ordeal. He walked all night with a broken neck (is that even possible?!) to get home and see his family. Peyton's tragic death in front of his wife instilled a sad ending to the book. Even though Farquhar's death was expected, after his escape, I thought he was going to make it. I wish that Bierce would have let Farquhar hug his wife and children before he died.

I have no idea what I'm doing.

So I have no idea what I'm doing. Pray for me.