Ambrose Bierce was among the great many combatants during the US Civil War and it was that experience that led this prolific writer to expose his readers to a deeper and darker side. So much so that he became known as “Bitter Bierce.” His disdain for corruption and first-hand experience with the atrocities and maladies of warfare were a constant source of material and insight.
One of my favorite short-stories of all times has been Ambros Bierce’s “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.” It has been some time since I last read the story, but this week it was required reading in one of my college courses. Having now returned to that story, it refreshes my memory as to why I like the story so much.
Bierce has a way with imagery, point of view and the English language that few writers, myself included, could ever dream of achieving. I have not read all of his works, but those that I have read pull you directly into the story and don’t let you go. Bierce has a message and he wants you to read it.
While we discussed the story in class, I found myself half in agreement and half in disagreement with the interpretation of the man and the story. Perhaps Bierce was bitter, who could blame him. I am certain there were many people who held onto bitterness following the end of the Civil War in 1865. While there was indeed much to be thankful for and to look forward to, there remained much to be bitter about.
I personally find a deeper, more thoughtful man in Bierce than most people I have spoken about him with. He had an adventurous spirit that propelled him way beyond simple bitterness. A bitter man would most likely sequester himself into a dark corner and never escape. Ambrose Bierce explored his bitterness and searched for more meaning. Perhaps the search is what led him towards bitterness. Regardless, his travels, exploits and written record of American History give us a picture of our land that was not seen through rose-colored glasses.
Perhaps that in itself is why I have so much respect for a man that many hold much disdain for. He sought out truth and exposed mankind for what it was. Biased, of course. Objective, perhaps not. Regardless, he did find and report about things that most people either glossed over or simply ignored. For all he lacked in fragrant prose he made up for with courageous and gritty tenacity. I find in Ambrose Bierce a kindred spirit, to a point.
To read more of Ambrose Bierce’s writing and to learn more about the man, visit:
http://www.ambrosebierce.org/
