* The romanticized view of war: The story initially paints a picture of Peyton Farquhar as a brave and patriotic Confederate, eager to serve his cause. However, this is quickly revealed to be a romanticized view of war, as Farquhar is actually a civilian lured into a dangerous act by a Union scout disguised as a Confederate. The story satirizes the tendency to glorify war and romanticize the experiences of soldiers.
* The fallibility of human perception: The story plays with the unreliable nature of human perception, particularly in moments of heightened stress. Farquhar's elaborate escape sequence, where he breaks free from his bonds, swims through the river, and traverses miles of forest, is all a product of his dying mind. The story satirizes the human tendency to create elaborate narratives to explain our experiences, even when they are inaccurate.
* The power of wishful thinking: Farquhar's escape is fueled by his desperation and desire to survive. The story satirizes the human tendency to cling to hope even in the face of overwhelming odds, highlighting the often unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves.
It's important to note: The satire in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is subtle and more thematic than overt. It doesn't use humor or direct mockery, but rather it uses the story itself to critique certain aspects of human nature and the way we perceive the world.