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.