what are some examples of realism, naturalism and psycological fiction in the short story "An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge"?

http://fiction.eserver.org/short/occurrence_at_owl_creek.html

The first four paragraphs seem to be realism.

Section II is a flashback.

Section III seems to be psychological fiction -- wishful thinking on the part of Farquhar, in a way, in an extremely short time.

What do you think about the rest?

"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce is a renowned short story that encompasses elements of realism, naturalism, and psychological fiction. To better understand these concepts, let's break them down and explore some examples from the story.

1. Realism: Realism refers to the depiction of everyday life and experiences in literature, presenting things as they are without sugar-coating or exaggeration. In "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," Bierce employs realism by portraying the brutality and horror of war. For example, the story opens with the protagonist, Peyton Farquhar, about to be hanged by a military tribunal during the American Civil War. Bierce's description of the hanging, the soldiers, and the surroundings evokes a sense of realism, grounding the narrative in the gritty reality of war.

2. Naturalism: Naturalism is an extension of realism, emphasizing the influence of external factors, such as environment and heredity, on human behavior and fate. Bierce subtly incorporates naturalistic elements in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." Peyton Farquhar is depicted as a character driven by his desires and instincts. When he attempts to sabotage the bridge, it reflects his desperate resolve to escape and survive against the overpowering forces of the military. This struggle against the forces of nature and society aligns with the principles of naturalism.

3. Psychological fiction: Psychological fiction explores the inner workings of a character's mind, delving into their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. Bierce employs psychological fiction in the story to provide readers with insights into Peyton Farquhar's state of mind. One example is when Farquhar fantasizes about escaping his impending death, envisioning a vivid, dreamlike sequence of events. His thoughts of home, family, and even survival become increasingly distorted as his sense of time and reality warp. This psychological exploration enhances the narrative's depth and adds an element of suspense.

In summary, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" contains instances of realism reflected in the portrayal of war, naturalism through the depiction of Peyton Farquhar's struggle against external forces, and psychological fiction seen in his imaginative and distorted thoughts. By understanding these literary concepts and analyzing specific examples from the story, we can appreciate the layers of depth and meaning Bierce incorporates into his work.