An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
Creative classic series
What’s inside...
During the United States Civil War, a condemned man has many thoughts as he stands on a bridge, awaiting hanging. This story is part of the Creative Short Stories series, which aims to bring classic literature to life for today's young readers. The series features stories from renowned authors like Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe, Jack London, and Katherine Mansfield, catering to various tastes with humor, suspense, danger, and sensitivity. The series has been designed with today's young reader in mind, transforming dark, musty anthologies into engaging, individual books that foster a lasting appreciation for great literature. The series promises to be a welcome addition to any library, offering stories filled with humor, suspense, danger, and sensitivity.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Peyton Farquhar
Discussion points
What do you think Peyton Farquhar was feeling throughout the story? Can you relate to any of his emotions?
Why do you think the author chose to depict the story through both reality and illusion? What effect did that have on you as a reader?
How do you think the story would change if it was told from a different character’s perspective?
What is the significance of the setting in the story, and how does it influence the events that occur?
Tip: Role play these questions
Help the child connect with Peyton Farquhar’s character by discussing similar feelings they might have experienced in challenging situations.
Discuss the concept of perspective with your child. You might want to use examples from their own life to illustrate how different people can see the same situation in varied ways.
Encourage your child to imagine alternate settings for the story and discuss how these settings might change the story’s outcome.
Use the themes of the book to have a broader conversation about reality, illusion, and how sometimes our minds play tricks on us.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The significance of time and its perception
Explanation: The story shows how the protagonist, Peyton Farquhar, experiences time in a stretched manner in a critical moment, filling his last seconds with hope and regret.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of time management and the importance of living in the present moment, making the most of every day.
Example Lesson: The consequences of decisions
Explanation: Farquhar's decision to interfere with the Union forces due to his allegiance results in his execution, displaying how choices have consequences.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to think carefully about their actions and the potential outcomes before deciding.
Example Lesson: Reality versus illusion
Explanation: The twist at the end of the story reveals that what seemed like an escape was actually Farquhar’s imagination. It highlights the blur between reality and fantasy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to differentiate between what is real and what is not and understand the importance of facing reality.
Example Lesson: The power of hope and desperation
Explanation: In his desperate situation, Farquhar clings to hope and imagines an escape, demonstrating human resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to remain hopeful and resilient in challenging situations, using their imagination as a source of strength.