Tuesday, September 23, 2014

reflection on Owl creek

Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him. In the code of military etiquette silence and fixity are forms of deference.”

            I don't know where to begin. But if I had to choose a place in the story, it would be this quote. I like this quote because it connects me to the author of the story. I understand what his definition of death is as it pertains to the story. I like to think that when the author wrote this story, their purpose was to write about how death reflects life and vice versa. The noun reflection means a fixing of thoughts on something. It is clear in the story that moments before this mean dies he has a reflection on his life. That reflection of his life is viewed as a journey where he makes it to his destination and is then killed. The manner in which his imagination brings him to the harsh reality that he is no longer alive alludes to a respectful notion, a notion that his beautiful wife will be waiting for him when he gets home.
            Everyone has hears the phrase there is a bright light when you die, and that your life flashes before your eyes. I like how the author sticks to this idea, but doesn't it in a way where it isn’t such a cliché. The author took great care in making sure that this story was realistic and poetic at the same time. Even the name of the bridge, Owl Creek Bridge, it's a name that made me think of a something very wise. Then of course there is great lines in this story that makes my mind flow smoothly, and can enjoy the sophistication of the vocabulary.

            The last thought I had pertains to fear. I enjoyed reading a story about death that didn't have to do a lot with fear. I think its safe to say that most people are afraid of dyeing, and if that's true what does that say about life? Does it mean that people are afraid to live? This story really makes me believe that death isn’t something to be fear, just respected. Just as life is to be respected so is death.

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