Surreal Elements: The story contains elements of fantasy, surrealism, and the supernatural, which are not characteristic of Literary Realism. Bierce creates an ambiguous and dream-like atmosphere that challenges readers' understanding of reality.
Focus on Inner Experiences: The story explores the inner thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of the main character, Peyton Farquhar, as he faces the prospect of death. This introspective focus on the individual's psychological state is not a primary concern in Literary Realism.
Distorted Time Sequence: The story does not follow a linear and logical sequence of events. It employs flashbacks, stream-of-consciousness, and shifts in perspective, making it difficult to discern the true nature of reality within the narrative.
Absence of Social Criticism: Literary Realism often seeks to critique social, economic, and political aspects of society. However, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" does not explicitly engage in social commentary. Instead, it focuses on the individual's struggle for survival and the surreal nature of human experience.
In conclusion, while "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a masterfully written short story, its incorporation of surreal elements, subjective perspectives, and a lack of social criticism place it outside the boundaries of Literary Realism. It is considered a work of American Romanticism due to its exploration of the individual's inner world and its use of symbolic and imaginative elements.