Short stories usually don't offer enough scope for development of characters, plot and atmosphere due to their limited length, so, in the majority of cases, they have to be pretty well-written in order to convince me of their literary significance and basic factors which may help me keep the story in mind. 
 "An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge" was 
 extremely well-written. 
 Upon first reading the story, it was mostly the atmosphere of the writing and the plot's main features which attracted my attention, but I didn't quite understand everything which was outlined during the short extent of the story. The cleverly devised and well-thought-out tale, divided into three parts as a structural device, is mostly revealed by rereading it, for Ambrose Bierce successfully tampers with his reader's expectations, exploring his protagonist's mind and developing an interesting background with roots in the American Civil War. 
 To me, Bierce's short story - the first, but certainly not the last work I've read from this author - will be remembered as being outstanding and thought-provoking, and thus I can with clear conscience recommend reading it if you're prepared for a fast, but not ordinary short story with connections to the American history. 
 "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." 
 Thanks to KOHEY.Y for bringing this fine work to my attention.