In her essay "Writing Short Stories" Flannery O'Connor says this about characterization: "You can't cut characters off from their society and say much about them as individuals." "You can't say anything meaningful about the mystery of personality unless you put that personality in a believable and significant social context." Consider the quotations above. Then pick a story you read in Semester A, and evaluate how the social context and the characters work together not only to provide a vivid setting, but also to help explain and develop the characters' thoughts, words, and actions.
Context helps to not only provide a vivid setting but also how they help to explain and develop a characters' thoughts, words, and actions. Context helps a reader know what a character is going through, what might be influencing their lives, thoughts and feelings throughout the story. Recommend reading/using "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce to complete this essay - look at the sensory details Bierce uses with this character Peyton Farquhar at the beginning, when wanting and trying to escape, what it means when he visualizes his wife and kids; how does the sensory detail make you feel while reading the story? All of the sensory context helps to keep the reader engaged and feel like they are living the story right next to Farquhar.
In "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," Ambrose Bierce masterfully incorporates sensory details to create a vivid setting and provide insight into the thoughts and actions of the main character, Peyton Farquhar. The story is set during the Civil War, and the social context of the time plays a significant role in shaping Farquhar's character and decisions.
At the beginning of the story, Farquhar is described as a wealthy plantation owner who is about to be hanged by Union soldiers for attempting to sabotage a railroad bridge. The sensory details Bierce uses to describe Farquhar's surroundings - the sounds of the ticking watch, the sight of the swinging rope, the taste of the salt water on his lips - create a tense and realistic atmosphere that immerses the reader in Farquhar's harrowing predicament. These sensory details not only provide a vivid setting but also help to convey Farquhar's fear and desperation as he contemplates his imminent death.
As Farquhar envisions his escape and fantasizes about reuniting with his wife and children, the social context of the Civil War further influences his thoughts and actions. Farquhar's desire to return to his family and his longing for freedom are deeply rooted in the turbulent and uncertain times in which he lives. The sense of loss, betrayal, and yearning that Farquhar experiences are heightened by the background of war and conflict, adding depth and complexity to his character.
Overall, the sensory details and social context in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" work together to not only enhance the setting of the story but also to provide a deeper understanding of Farquhar's motivations and emotions. By immersing the reader in Farquhar's world and the historical backdrop of the Civil War, Bierce effectively brings his character to life and underscores the themes of fate, illusion, and the harsh realities of war.
keep the length, but use easier to understand terms
In "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," Ambrose Bierce uses details that appeal to the senses to describe the surroundings and the main character, Peyton Farquhar. The story takes place during the Civil War, and the time period influences Farquhar's actions and decisions.
At the start of the story, Farquhar is a rich man who is about to be hanged by Union soldiers for trying to damage a railroad bridge. The details Bierce includes - like the ticking watch, the swinging rope, and the taste of salt water - make the situation feel real and tense. This helps the reader understand Farquhar's feelings of fear and desperation as he faces death.
As Farquhar dreams of escaping and seeing his family again, the setting of the Civil War plays a big part in his thoughts and choices. His longing to see his family and be free is affected by the war and its uncertainties. His emotions of loss, betrayal, and yearning are made stronger by the backdrop of conflict and turmoil, making him a more complex character.
Overall, the details that appeal to the senses and the historical setting of the Civil War in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" work together to paint a clear picture of Farquhar's motivations and feelings. By showing the reader a glimpse of Farquhar's life and the impact of the war, Bierce gives depth to his character and highlights themes of fate, illusion, and the harsh realities of war.