power of those of an opposing political view. Peyton is a planter who is left behind by the Confederate Army due to circumstances "...of an imperious nature," but he longs for the "release of his energies, the larger life of the soldier, the opportunity for distinction."(Bierce/The Norton Introduction to Literature pg.82).An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge is a brilliantly written story. It has so many different and interesting elements to it. He employs, psychology, philosophy, and politics all in one short story. One must reread it several times to catch all of its points. The first time I read it was as a junior, it left me asking "What just Happened?" At first I was upset, thinking, "Mr. Beirce, that's not fair, you shouldn't jerk me around like that!" But then I realized how amazing it was that he had that much control over my emotions. When he wrote the story, he knew how it would affect people. And it still works, over a hundred years later, as he lies in his grave. Now that is a powerful legacy. ...
