JOB#3
LITERATURE CONNECTIONS
In Ambrose Bierce's An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, Peyton Farquhar departs from his home and family in an attempt to aid the South by sabotaging the Owl Creek Railroad Bridge, which is important to the Union forces to get supplies across Owl Creek by railroad. This attempt fails, however, and Farquhar is subsequently hanged. In An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, the author never suggests that Farquhar was out for glory or fame, but the fact that he left his family without a way to provide for them still indicates that Farquhar had misplaced values, thinking that carrying out a dangerous mission for the Confederacy was more important than providing for his own wife and children.
The theme of Peyton Farquhar willingly abandoning his family in a reckless mission that Farquhar knew beforehand could get him killed reminded me of the first chapter of Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage, in which the main character, Henry Fleming, enlists for the Union army and leaves his mother to take care of the farm all by herself (Henry's father was not mentioned and is presumed deceased). The reason why Henry enlisted in the Union army was not because he had to or even particularly believed in the Northern cause, instead, it was because Henry wanted to be admired by his peers and was unaware of the true nature of warfare.
However, the author never really does explicitly state Farquhar's intentions, so the similarity is largely conjecture, and, I must admit, Peyton Farquhar's motives still seem more honorable that those of Henry Fleming. Do you think there is a connection between the two literary works, and if so, do you think it was intentional or a mere coincidence?
That was a great connection! You are right; They did both "abandon" their families for the purpose of fighting for a cause. I agree that we do know about Henry's intentions going to war, but we don't know for sure about Fahrquhar. Henry's purpose for leaving was definitely for the recognition he would receive.
ReplyDeleteAs for a "connection" between the literary works, I thought it would be interesting to discuss when the books were written. This book was written in 1891 and The Red Badge of Courage was written in 1894. So they were written with a three year gap. Personally I believe it might have just been a coincidence. Men were zealous to fight (whether it be for the right reason, or for selfish gain). So it seems like it was just a common occurrence at that time.
I think you're right, Elsah. The theme of men leaving their families for a cause is a common theme in war literature. Do you think that Stephen Crane and Ambrose Bierce could have known each other? Both of the authors, I think, focused on the human perception of experiences and wrote to expose the horrors of war.
ReplyDeleteOoo that's a good question. Honestly I don't think so, having not googled it ahead of time. I mean it is always a possibility! They were contemporaries after all! You are right, they definitely thought it was important to write about the horrors of war. I think it is neat to look back at people who took initiative to write about what was going on at the time. There are a lot of books being written now about COVID and just the "new" time we are living in. It is history!
DeleteHenry and Farquhar both take risks and hurt their family. Henry's Mom has to take care of the animals . and Farquhar leaves his wife and child. The stories are really different. Most of the time Henry is a soldier in battle. Farquhar is not a soldier, but he still dies because of the war. I didn't like dream that Farquhar has that he escaped. I liked The Red Badge of Courage because Henry grows up.
ReplyDeleteGood observation, Mercy. I didn't like the fact that Farquhar dreamed he was free either.
DeleteWhether or not Henry matures in The Red Badge of Courage is debatable, but it definitely is a story about growing up, courage, and becoming a man. I like The Red Badge of Courage more than An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge as well.
I also prefer Red Badge of Courage.
DeleteI doubt there's any connection. It's probably just a coincidence.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree that it was probably just a coincidence. War was probably just an interesting topic to write about for many people because it can be described and expressed in a variety of ways.
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