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Similes
Style
Explanation and Analysis:
Ambrose Bierce’s blunt and direct writing style is very characteristic of the realist genre. His writing is straightforward and full of matter-of-fact descriptions, both of the setting and of Farquhar’s own thoughts and actions. This is evident throughout the story, from his descriptions of the soldiers to his narration of Farquhar’s perceived escape. One such example comes from the first section of the story:
Midway of the slope between bridge and fort were the spectators — a single company of infantry in line, at “parade rest,” the butts of the rifles on the ground, the barrels inclining slightly backward against the right shoulder, the hands crossed upon the stock. A lieutenant stood at the right of the line, the point of his sword upon the ground, his left hand resting upon his right.
This section exemplifies Bierce’s direct, realist writing style. His description of Farqhuar’s imminent death largely lacks emotion, instead focusing on the concrete details: the location of the soldiers and the spectators, the position of their guns, etc. This quote also exemplifies the extreme, particularly detailed characteristic of Bierce’s writing style. For example, he goes into detail when explaining exactly how the soldiers are holding the guns: “barrels inclining slightly backward against the right shoulder.” Here, he even notes which shoulder the guns are resting against. This high level of detail adds to the realist nature of the story while emphasizing the almost machine-like operations of war, furthering Bierce's critique of it and highlighting war’s harsh realities.
Toward the end of the story, Bierce maintains this realist and matter-of-fact style but includes more figurative language. This departure from strict realism indicates that Farquhar’s perception is not true to reality in the scenes where he images his escape. Yet, his style continues to emphasize small details of Farquhar’s environment and actions throughout this section. The writing style returns to blunt reality in the final line, when readers realize the triumphant escape was all in Farquhar's head.
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