Job the Second!

Job #2!

At the expense of sounding far too overdramatic (which would DEFINITELY not be the norm for me), I'm going to relate the event of Farquhar's almost-redemption-but-actually-sudden-death to something that I think most of us, as humans, can relate to.

Despite the fact that I disagree strongly with Farquhar's slaving-"owning" ways, and even though he is described as a staunch Confederate, I found myself holding onto a sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe, he would live. Yes, I predicted the ending, but no matter who the protagonist is, I (as a reader) usually find myself rooting for him or her, even if I'm confused as to why I'm doing so. And so, as Farquhar "escaped" his death and ran for freedom, I found myself inwardly pulling for him. His escape, his freedom, was practically at his fingertips...only a little more running, and he'll get there...only a few more steps, and he can return to his family and live...

And then, he dies. In one instant, the thing which he pursued so fervently is snatched from him. And can't we all, as humans, relate to that? Sure, none of us have stood over a river with a noose around our necks and the enemies' guns trained on us - at least, I hope not - but haven't we all chased after something we want so badly...only to have it taken from us, right before we attain it?

Even before I read the second job, I knew I wanted to write something about this. Because honestly, hidden in the rubble of descriptions and information and tension, I find a theme of "Dashed Hopes" in An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. And if we're honest with ourselves, we readers will acknowledge that yes, we have been in Farquhar's shoes - watching as our last glimmer of hope fades away.

I guess it kind of touched a soft spot within my soul.

Job the First!

Job #1!

"[He] had a kindly expression which one would hardly have expected in one whose neck was in the hemp. Evidently this was no vulgar assassin." (I)

I find it interesting that Ambrose Bierce, having been a part of the Union, would write so favorably about a protagonist, Peyton Farquhar, who is described as a slave owner and "ardently devoted to the Southern cause." In fact, never does Bierce mention anything uncomplimentary about Farquhar. The reader is left to make his or her own opinions on the integrity and likableness of this Confederate protagonist. There are only vague descriptions of the man's character.

As a reader, I wasn't sure whether I should like Farquhar or not. I think a part of the reader always wants to sympathize with the protagonist, and when there is something about the protagonist (in this case, Farquhar's loyalty to the Southern cause) that is against the reader's personal convictions, the reader is left confused. Should I root for the protagonist? There's nothing particularly unlikable about his personality; but can I really root for a Confederate? Yes, the passage at the top states that he has a kindly expression - but can a slave owner truly have a kindly heart? No, maybe he's not a vulgar assassin - but must I still be disappointed if he dies?

Bierce, you've really created a perplexing character here.

Take Two.

Okay, where did all the dramatic go?

My first post was supposed to introduce me and provide some general information about myself. But after reading the post again, I'm thinking, I need to redo this! Where did all the dramatic go? So this is introduction, Take Two.

So...here I am! Lady Rachel! You may all stand in awe of me, if you wish.

I'll leave you with a two-stanza haiku. I think poetry would best capture the essence of me, as opposed to merely writing prose about who I am.
Her writerly soul
Reason, replaced with feeling
Shards of heart, written
~
Write soul on paper
For engraved in her being
Her writerly ways

So...there I am.