Job #3- Compare and Contrast

Compare and contrast the short stories and writing styles of Washington Irving and Ambrose Bierce.

Similarities
The writing styles of Washington Irving and Ambrose Bierce are very alike in some ways and very different in others (I know, I just blew your mind). One similarity is that neither clarified the story a completely. I noticed how in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Irving never made it clear who the headless horseman was. Instead he left it to the reader's imagination (although it was pretty easy to guess). Bierce also didn't solve everything in his story. Some things we don't know, like why Peyton was a target for the Unionists. Another similarity I noticed between them, was that both liked to use their writing to intrigue readers. Ichabod's plight from the headless horseman certainly gripped one's attention. The ending of Bierce's story likewise fascinated readers, although maybe in a different way.

Bierce and Irving also had similarities in their short stories. Some of these similarities include lack of dialogue. Neither author meddled much in that field unless it was absolutely necessary. Another similarity is description. Both had a considerable amount to say about the setting of the story. (Although Irving probably get's first place in that category). And, you know, both stories were relatively short (yay!)

Differences


Differences between Irving and Bierce's writing styles are existent to be sure. One of the differences includes the way that the stories were told. Irving told his story as an observer. Bierce, however, used third person omnipotent to better portray Peyton's feelings. I noticed also that Irving included a lot of detail on his various characters' backgrounds. On Bierce's part, nothing was said about anyone's background except the main characters, and even then it was only a small dose of information.

Difference's between The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge included the number of people mandatory for the plot. Irving's tale contained waaaaay more necessary characters than Bierce's story. Another difference is that Irving added in superstitious elements to his writings Whereas Bierce's story is bare of such elements.

Mrs. Jones, I hope this lengthy answer will release me from the Scotcharoo Ban. That's all I ask!

-The Desperado

Real Job #2- Thinking question

    Just kidding I'm not that lazy

"The cord fell away; his arms parted and floated upward, the hands dimly seen on each side in the growing light. He watched them with a new interest as first one and then the other pounced upon the noose at his neck. They tore it away and thrust it fiercely aside, its undulations resembling those of a water snake. 'Put it back, put it back!' He thought he shouted these words to his hands"

    In this passage of the book, Peyton didn't seem to have control over his body. He simply seemed to be an observer of his own movements. Do you think that this could have been a sign that the scenario was imagined, or do you think that this could happen in real life situations?

In order to make this a thinking question, I won't tell you my opinion until I've heard yours. Then I will enlighten you all... maybe. Actually, that probably won't happen.

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Also I'm very curious to know your guy's  answer to this question. Was the "escape scenario" a vision, daydream (for lack of better word), or was it a reality? In my opinion, seeing a vision isn't the same thing as imagining a daydream.

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines the two abstract words as different concepts.

Vision: something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy; especially : a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation

Daydream: a pleasant visionary usually wishful creation of the imagination
Do you see the difference between the two? What do you think, was Peyton experiencing a daydream or vision? Or was he in reality? Perhaps you don't think there is a difference between something you create with your imagination and a vision. That's great too :)

Feel free to answer either one or the other. I couldn't make up my mind which to ask. Or answer both to make a very good conversation. and to make me happy :D :D :D

Job #2- Thinking Question

Why are we reading this book?

Job 1- Line Illuminator

"An hour later, after nightfall, he repassed the plantation, going northward in the direction from which he had come. He was a Federal scout"(Chapter 2, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Brige)

   This quote is an excerpt following the conversation between Fahrquhar and the "confederate soldier"

   In an earlier paragraph, the author describes Fahrquhar as a plantation owner who is passionate about pro-slavery rights. Due to mysterious circumstances, Fahrquhar is not actually a soldier but does what he cans to defeat the Federalists.

  What confuses me, is why a Federal scout would go to all this trouble to get into a grey uniform and travel many miles just to talk to a passionate plantation owner. Could it be that the scout was purposely trying to set Fahrquhar up to be hanged? If so, why? How is Fahrquhar different from other plantation owners? Or did the scout have other buisness in the south and was just making small talk, knowing the plantation owner would never be able to destroy Owl Creek Bridge?

I mean I know it's a short story, but Bierce probably could have expanded on this a little bit. Any thoughts on why Farhrquhar was being "hunted out" by the Union?

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My name is Annie Luthi

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The End

I will be using this blog for literature homework regarding
"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"