Themes

The main theme of the short story “Chickamauga” by Ambrose Bierce is that of reality versus fantasy, enhanced by the motifs of war and childhood.

Reality versus fantasy

In the short story “Chickamauga”, the boy fails to see the gruesome reality which unveils in front of his eyes. He chooses to emerge in a world of fantasy, of valiant conquerors and a world of play and amusement. The boy is scared by reality, yet he finds comfort in the world of fantasy which he creates. He is afraid of the rabbit – an animal which he has seen before, yet not in an upright position – but he is not afraid of the wounded soldiers.

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Motifs: war and childhood

The entire theme of reality versus fantasy is enhanced by the motifs of war and childhood. Ambrose Bierce’s story shows that war is never justifiable and that it can only bring pain and disaster. Although people fight in wars for a greater cause, it is ultimately the individual who suffers. In the story, a small boy becomes the victim of the American Civil War:

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Symbol: the sword

The boy’s sword is an important symbol in the story, and it enhances the theme of reality versus fiction. The sword was built by the boy after he has found inspiration in his father’s books about war. The sword is, at the same time, a symbol of childhood and a symbol of maturity.

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