Occurrence at Owl Creek (in Contemporary English)

Ambrose Bierce’s story "Occurrence at Owl Creek" (here revised) is a humble little tale which —in relation to the extensive work of the author— is a diamond in the genre of magical realism. Not only does this amazing story shine because of the occurrences of horror, suspense, and violence, but because the story is also a story of love, courage, honor, and fidelity.

For all the virtues mentioned above, "Occurrence at Owl Creek" is a short story that is indispensable in any anthology of short stories. Located in the historic event that was the 1860 Civil War between the states of the North and the South, Ambrose Bierce paints a feverish landscape where the outer vision is mixed with the subjectivity of the hero Peyton Fahrquhar, dragging and involving the reader into the phantasmal action where Peyton agonistes builds a parallel reality but far more superior and palatable than objective reality.

In contrast to some literal translations, I have done my best to present the story in a language familiar to the contemporary reader. This easy-to-read revision will delight contemporary readers because they won’t have to research certain archaic terms and fragmented syntax contained in the original version. In addition, I have endeavored to stress the technique of “Indirect Free Speech” that Bierce employed instinctually.

Of course the original was just perfect for the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is my hope that by rendering the story in plain 21st century American English, readers can take interest Bierce’s entire oeuvre.