An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

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Among Ambrose Beirce's most famous works, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge opens on a southern slave owner named Peyton at the cusp of his execution by Union troops during the American Civil War.

Just prior to being hanged, Peyton reflects on his wife and children, and briefly considers a means of escaping his fate, when a random event turns the situation in his favor. Thus begins his journey home, though he must first contend with being pursued, traversal through the elements, and tricks of his own mind.