What tone does the author use in this excerpt from Ambrose Bierce's An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge which discusses the hanging of an enemy combatant?

Answer 1

In the excerpt from Ambrose Bierce's "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," the author employs a somber and detached tone when discussing the hanging of an enemy combatant. This tone underscores the grim reality of war and the inevitability of death, while also evoking a sense of empathy for the individual facing execution. Bierce's use of stark imagery and precise language further enhances the emotional weight of the scene, highlighting the tragic nature of the event. Overall, the tone reflects both the harshness of military justice and the fragility of life in times of conflict.