“Doubtless, despite his suffering, he had fallen asleep while walking, for now he sees another scene--perhaps he has merely recovered from a delirium. He stands at the gate of his own home. All is as he left it, and all bright and beautiful in the morning sunshine.”
“As he is about to clasp her he feels a stunning blow upon the back of the neck; a blinding white light blazes all about him with a sound like the shock of a cannon--then all is darkness and silence!”
-- Excerpts from the An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
This challenge is submitted by yours truly. And I am hoping that as move forward, we can pool challenge materials from the community.
I. Reading Material
For this challenge I want us to take a read "Little Engine that Could", written by Watty Piper. The story exists in the form of serveral illustrated children's books and even movies. It is an American fairytale that is used to teach children the value of optimism and hardwork.
You can read the story here: Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper
Duration: ~10 minutes
Source: An Occurence At Owl Bridge
II. Why Recommend This Material?
This is a very simple story but it has quite a nice philosophical ring to it. Specifically, I wanted to know how adults process children stories. Do adults read children's book as is? Or do we spend time to process the lessons and the story?
For this challenge, I want people to look at children's stories beyond putting your childrens to bed. But see it as another learning opportunity. A time to be immersed into the story, a time to chill and relax, and a time to reflect.
III. Though Provoking Questions
Ambrose Bierce was one of the only major author to see combat during the Civil War. He served in the Ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. What evidence can you provide that "he knows what he is talking about" in his telling of the story? Do you detect any bias in his writing, does his favor the Union over the Confederates, or is he seemingly impartial?
How does Bierce's methodic writing style of providing detailed descriptions in a quiet, slow, suspenseful manner affect the reader? Provide examples (like how he describes the rifles in "support" position, or the sound of his own watch ticking).
Describe Bierce's literary technique using foreshadowing and its effect of fully engaging his reader.
Explain the metaphor that "Death is a dignitary" in the first paragraph.
What examples of military etiquette or rules of conduct are described in the story? Why are these important?
What do the bridge and the fast-moving water below represent? Explain the symbolic meaning of the loose boards and "unsteady footing."
Explain what Farquhar's wife represents? Why does he reject what she represents in his reckless mission to suppress Union forces?
Abraham Lincoln passed the Lieber Code in 1863 for military conduct
Lincoln's Lieber Code signed 1863
Do we know whether Farquhar actually burned the bridge? Though we are told the Union scout planted the idea in Farquhar's mind to burn the bridge and then must have reported Farquar's betrayal which resulted in his sentence to be hanged, how do we know he actually committed the crime and deserves to be hanged?
Describe the transcendental experience of Farquhar willing the noose to give way and envisioning his escape into the arms of his wife and safety, then the "white light" rather than the reality of his corpse's broken bones of death.
Tell the story using the same sequence of events, but from the Union Captain's point of view.
Describe the symbolism of the "pendulum" (first paragraph of section III) and how it relates to time, the hanging, his emotions.
The Federal troops were required to comply with the Liber Code, instructions for armies in the field, imposed by President Lincoln in 1863. Discuss the soldiers' conduct described in the story. Did they follow the letter of the Lieber Code?
You can select at least 3 items from above or make an essay using the guidelines below.
Essay Question #1: Research the term "Copperhead" (used to describe a Northern Democrat who opposed fighting in the Civil War and demanded immediate peace). The modern equivalent is called "conscientious objector." Did Farquhar's actions serve the Confederates in the same way, more, or less, than had he enlisted and fought as a soldier? Does Bierce offer any clues as to why Farquhar didn't serve as a soldier?
Source: American Literature - Study Guide
IV. What Awaits You?
For the challengers: each challenge will have a duration of 2 weeks. But we may have multiple challenges in a span of 2 weeks.
1st Prize - 100 DBREAD
2nd Prize - 70 DBREAD
3rd Prize - 50 DBREAD
Consolation Prizes - 15 DBREAD Tokens each for (4th and 5th)
Challenge Ambassadors
This is to promote quality and engaging discussions across the Whaleshares platform. We will also be rewarding 100 DBREAD Tokens to our top commenter for every challenge. Each contributor will serve as a Bookworm ambassador and engage with the challengers. Also note that the criteria here is not the volume of comments but on the quality.
Invite at least 3 people to join a challenge.
If all 3 (unique) invitees will join, I will personally reward 100% on the post.
I'll also throw in 30 DBREAD Tokens here (5 max), on a first come first serve basis.
For any questions or what have you, please ping me on discord @shoganaii#8033.
Source: Media
V. Guidelines
Introduction
Overview of the reading, first impressions, and what have you.TPQ#1 - Basically, you just need to write your thoughts and answer the questions here.
TPQ#2 - Be creative and dig deeper into the contents.
TPQ#3 - Have fun!Invite at least 3 people to join the challenge.
Use the hashtags #bookworm #lightreads #challenger #owlcreek
Title must be "BookWorm LightReads Challenge#2: An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"
Drop challenge links at our Discord Channel #lightreads-challenger
Drop a comment on this post as some sort of a challenge review. How do you find the challenge?
Your comment should start with "REVIEW: [Your comment]" :)
Looking forward to more challenges!
Thanks everyone,
Kaizen