“The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

“The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce was first published in 1891 in the collection “Tales of Soldiers and Civilians”. This short story showcases Bierce’s mastery of the genre, blending elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological insight to create a gripping narrative. Set during the American Civil War, the tale explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the human cost of conflict, all hallmarks of Bierce’s distinctive style and context. The story’s concise and direct prose, coupled with its exploration of the complexities of human nature, has made it a beloved classic among readers and scholars alike.

Main Events in “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

1. Introduction to the Setting: The story takes place during the American Civil War, in a rural area near the fictional Coulter’s Notch.
2. Captain Coulter’s Return: Captain Coulter, a Union soldier, returns to his hometown after being wounded in battle.
3. Tension Between Union and Confederate Sympathizers: Coulter’s return creates tension between the local Union and Confederate sympathizers.
4. The Captain’s Plan: Coulter devises a plan to capture a group of Confederate soldiers who are rumored to be hiding in the area.
5. The Ambush: Coulter and his men set up an ambush at Coulter’s Notch, a narrow pass through the mountains.
6. The Affair: The Confederates fall into the trap, and a fierce battle ensues, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.
7. Coulter’s Heroism: Captain Coulter fights bravely, despite his wounds, and is mortally wounded in the battle.
8. The Aftermath: The Union soldiers emerge victorious, but at great cost. Coulter’s men are left to mourn the loss of their captain.
9. The Captain’s Final Moments: As Coulter lies dying, he reveals that he had been wounded before the battle and had come home to die.
10. The Legacy: Coulter’s bravery and sacrifice are remembered by his men and the local community, leaving a lasting legacy.

Literary Devices in “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration		The repetition of the initial consonant sounds such as “p” in “place” and “put” creates a rhythmic effect and draws attention to the description.
Anaphora	“The general repeated thoughtfully, ‘It is the only place, the only place, to get at them.'”	The repetition of the phrase “the only place” emphasizes its significance and reinforces the idea conveyed by the general.
Assonance	“It was a pass, and through it ran a turnpike.”	The repetition of the vowel sound “a” in “pass” and “ran” creates a musical effect and draws attention to the description of the location.
Irony	“Coulter’s Notch—it came to be called so—was not, that pleasant summer afternoon, a place where one would ‘like to put a gun.'”	The name “Coulter’s Notch” ironically contrasts with the description of the location as inhospitable and dangerous for placing a gun.
Metaphor	“His gray eyes, which seemed occasionally to strike right and left across the landscape, like search-lights…”	The comparison of the captain’s eyes to searchlights suggests their intensity and focus in observing the surroundings.
Personification	“…an atmosphere of living iron whose thoughts were lightnings and whose deeds were death.”	Giving the atmosphere human-like qualities of thinking and acting emphasizes the danger and intensity of the battle.
Simile	“…like a torn and draggled cloud of blue smoke…”	The comparison of the regiment to a cloud of smoke emphasizes its disarray and chaotic movement.
Foreshadowing	“Almost at the instant when Captain Coulter’s gun blew its challenging cloud twelve answering clouds rolled upward…”	The mention of the twelve answering clouds foreshadows the intensity and scale of the ensuing battle.
Symbolism	“The silence of the Federal gun.”	The silence of the gun symbolizes a moment of tension or change in the narrative, indicating a shift in the course of events.
Hyperbole	“A whole battery in himself.”	This exaggeration emphasizes the captain’s exceptional bravery and skill in combat.
Imagery	“Figures of prostrate men and horses were plainly visible.”	Vivid description creates mental images of the battlefield, enhancing the reader’s understanding and immersion in the scene.
Allusion	“A great white cloud sprang forward down the slope…”	The mention of a white cloud alludes to the smoke and explosion of the cannon fire, evoking a sense of destruction and chaos.
Epithet	“The bugler had dashed down the road in the opposite direction…”	The term “bugler” serves as an epithet, identifying the character by his role or profession rather than his name.
Onomatopoeia	“…with a deafening report…”	The word “report” imitates the sound of the cannon firing, enhancing the auditory experience for the reader.
Suspense	“Almost at the instant when Captain Coulter’s gun blew its challenging cloud…”	The narrative builds suspense by hinting at the imminent action or event without revealing its outcome.
Paradox	“A contest without vicissitudes, its alternations only different degrees of despair.”	This paradoxical statement suggests that despite the lack of change or variation, the situation is still characterized by varying levels of despair.
Repetition	“Did you observe Coulter’s damned reluctance to obey orders?”	The repetition of “Coulter’s” emphasizes the focus on the captain’s actions and behavior.
Satire	“Did you get that story from a gentleman or a liar?”	The use of satire mocks the reliability or credibility of the source of information.
Tone	“His eyes were blazing with a generous indignation.”	The tone of “blazing with a generous indignation” conveys the intensity and righteousness of the colonel’s emotion.
Mood	“The colonel ground his heel into the earth and turned to look again at the enemy’s guns.”	The action and setting evoke a tense and serious mood, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the characters’ emotions.

Characterization in “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

Major Characters:

• Captain Coulter:

• Duty and Patriotism: (Provide examples from the story that show Captain Coulter’s strong sense of duty to the Union cause. Does he express a yearning to fight for his beliefs? Does he prioritize the mission above all else?)
• Physical and Emotional Toll of War: (Show how the story portrays the impact of war on Captain Coulter. Is he hardened by battle? Does he bear physical scars?)
• Motivation for Homecoming: (Unveiling Captain Coulter’s true motive for returning home is a key twist. Use examples from the story to explore his possible motivations – a desire to die on familiar soil, a final act of service, unresolved personal conflicts, etc.)
• The Narrator (Colonel):
  • Limited Perspective: (How does the Colonel’s perspective limit our understanding of certain events or characters? Does he seem biased towards the Union or the Confederacy?)
  • Moral Conflict: (Does the Colonel grapple with any moral dilemmas throughout the story? For instance, is he conflicted about Captain Coulter’s actions or the brutality of war?)
  • Emotional Response: (How does the Colonel react to the events of the story? Does he express grief, anger, or surprise?)

Minor Characters:

• The Local Community:
  • Divided Loyalties: (Use examples to show the range of sympathies within the community – strong Union supporters, Confederate sympathizers, and perhaps those caught in the middle.)
  • Impact of War: (How does the war affect the lives of the townspeople? Do they fear for their safety? Do they experience shortages or disruptions?)
• The Confederate Soldiers:
  • Portrayal: (How are the Confederate soldiers depicted? Are they seen as villains or simply soldiers following orders?)
  • Motivation: (If the story offers any insights, explore the motivations of the Confederate soldiers. Are they fighting for their way of life? Are they simply caught up in the conflict?)

Major Themes in “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

• The Dark Side of Ideal Systems
  • The story reveals the corrupt reality behind military ideals and suggests the dangers of unquestioning obedience.
  • Example: Captain Coulter’s men are forced to fight and kill, despite their own moral reservations, highlighting the brutal nature of war.
  • The story implies that the military system prioritizes victory over human life, leading to senseless violence and tragedy.
• The Collapse of Domestic and Military Spaces
  • The story explores the devastating incursion of war into the realm of home and family.
  • Example: Captain Coulter returns home wounded, only to find himself drawn back into battle, blurring the lines between home and war zones.
  • The story shows how war can destroy the distinction between personal and public spaces, leading to chaos and devastation.
• War and Dehumanization
  • The soldiers are portrayed as depersonalized and mechanized, stripped of empathy and humanity by the conditions of wartime.
  • Example: The Confederate soldiers are referred to as “the enemy” and are dehumanized, highlighting the way war reduces individuals to mere targets.
  • The story suggests that war can reduce human beings to mere machines, capable of inflicting violence without remorse.
• Death and Futility
  • The story features themes of death, futility, and the devastating consequences of war.
  • Example: Captain Coulter’s final moments, in which he reveals his pre-existing wound and his desire to die at home, underscore the futility of his sacrifice.
  • The story implies that war is a senseless and destructive force, leading only to death, suffering, and regret.

Writing Style in “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example	Explanation
Marxist Criticism	Focuses on class struggle and societal power dynamics.	The presence of class differences between the officers and soldiers, as well as the impact of war on common soldiers while higher-ranking officials make strategic decisions.	The story portrays the power dynamics between the commanding officers and the soldiers who carry out their orders, reflecting the hierarchical structure of the military and the exploitation of lower classes in warfare.
Feminist Criticism	Explores gender roles, stereotypes, and power dynamics.	The mention of Coulter’s wife as a “red-hot Secessionist” suggests her agency and political beliefs, but she is not directly involved in the story.	Despite the absence of prominent female characters, the story indirectly touches on gender dynamics within the context of war and the impact of conflicts on families, including women, who often play supportive roles.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Analyzes characters’ subconscious motivations and desires.	Captain Coulter’s hesitation and anxiety before engaging the enemy may reflect deeper psychological conflicts or trauma from previous experiences in battle.	By examining characters’ inner thoughts and behaviors, psychoanalytic criticism can uncover hidden motivations or psychological struggles that influence their actions and decisions.
Formalist Criticism	Focuses on the text’s formal elements and structure.	The use of vivid imagery to describe the battlefield and the repetitive sounds of gunfire create a sense of realism and intensity in the narrative.	Formalist analysis emphasizes how the author’s stylistic choices, such as language, imagery, and structure, contribute to the overall aesthetic and impact of the story on the reader.
Postcolonial Criticism	Explores themes of colonialism, imperialism, and cultural identity.	The portrayal of a conflict between opposing armies suggests broader themes of territorial expansion and domination, echoing historical colonial encounters.	Through the lens of postcolonial criticism, the story can be interpreted as a reflection of power struggles and conflicts between different groups, highlighting the consequences of imperialism and the clash of cultures.
Reader-Response Criticism	Focuses on the reader’s interpretation and subjective experience.	Different readers may empathize with characters differently, such as sympathizing with Captain Coulter’s reluctance to obey orders or admiring his bravery in the face of danger.	Reader-response criticism acknowledges that each reader brings their own perspectives, beliefs, and experiences to the interpretation of a text, leading to diverse interpretations and responses.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

Topic	Questions	Thesis Statements
Military Command	How does the story depict the dynamics of military command and obedience?	The portrayal of military command in “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” highlights the tensions between orders and individual agency, revealing the complexities of leadership and obedience in wartime.
Psychological Warfare	What role does psychological warfare play in the narrative, particularly in Captain Coulter’s actions and mindset?	Through Captain Coulter’s internal struggle and eventual bravery, “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” explores the psychological toll of warfare and the resilience of individuals under extreme pressure.
Societal Divisions	How does the story address societal divisions, such as class differences and regional loyalties, within the context of war?	By examining characters’ backgrounds and interactions, “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” sheds light on the societal divisions exacerbated by war and the complexities of allegiance and identity.
Symbolism and Allegory	What symbolic elements or allegorical themes can be found in the story, and how do they contribute to its deeper meaning?	Through symbolism such as Coulter’s Notch and allegorical themes of sacrifice and duty, “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” offers a nuanced commentary on the human condition and the nature of conflict.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

• What is the central conflict in “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch”?
• The central conflict is twofold: the external conflict between the Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War, and the internal conflict Captain Coulter faces regarding his motivations for returning home. The story opens with the Colonel describing the tension between Union and Confederate sympathizers in the town, foreshadowing the external clash (“. Do you think, Colonel, that your brave Captain Coulter would like to put one of his guns in here?”). Captain Coulter’s later revelation about his true reason for returning suggests an internal struggle beyond simply fighting for the Union cause.
• How does the story portray the Civil War?
• Bierce paints a grim picture of the Civil War, emphasizing its brutality and human cost. The Colonel describes the battle at Coulter’s Notch with stark realism, mentioning the “something horrible and unnatural: the gun was bleeding at the mouth!” This gruesome detail highlights the violence and dehumanization inherent in war.
• What is the significance of the setting (Coulter’s Notch) in the story?
• Coulter’s Notch, a narrow mountain pass, serves as a strategic location for the ambush. The Colonel highlights its importance, stating, “We could command the whole road for a mile each way from this notch.” The setting confines the battle, intensifying the fight and contributing to the high casualty rate. Additionally, the name “Coulter’s Notch” might foreshadow Captain Coulter’s fate, hinting at a personal connection to the place where he meets his demise.
• What is the role of the narrator (the Colonel) in the story?
• The Colonel acts as a detached observer, providing a factual account of the events. His limited perspective restricts our understanding of certain characters’ motivations, particularly Captain Coulter’s. For instance, the Colonel doesn’t reveal his own feelings about the war or Captain Coulter’s actions. This detachment allows the story to focus on the action and the harsh realities of war, leaving the reader to grapple with the emotional weight of the events.

Literary Works Similar to “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

1. “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce: Another notable short story by Ambrose Bierce, this work explores themes of war, death, and perception. It features a condemned man’s escape attempt during the American Civil War and delves into the psychological effects of imminent death.
2. The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane: This novel follows the journey of Henry Fleming, a young soldier in the American Civil War, as he grapples with fear, courage, and the realities of combat. Like Bierce’s work, it offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of warfare.
3. “The Things They Carried“ by Tim O’Brien: A collection of interconnected short stories based on the author’s experiences in the Vietnam War. Like Bierce, O’Brien explores the psychological and emotional toll of war on soldiers, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.
4. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy: While much longer and more expansive than Bierce’s short story, “War and Peace” similarly delves into the effects of war on individuals and society. It offers a panoramic view of life during the Napoleonic Wars and explores themes of fate, free will, and human nature.
5. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque: This classic novel provides a poignant and harrowing depiction of World War I from the perspective of a young German soldier. Like Bierce’s work, it explores the physical and psychological trauma of war, as well as the disillusionment and loss experienced by soldiers.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

Books:

• Bierce, Ambrose. The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce. Edited by S. T. Joshi, University of Illinois Press, 2011.
• Bierce, Ambrose. The Affair at Coulter’s Notch. Lindhardt og Ringhof, 2022.
• Bierce, Ambrose. The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce... Vol. 2. Neale Publishing Company, 1909.
• Morris, Roy. Ambrose Bierce: Alone in Bad Company. Oxford University Press, USA, 1998.

Articles:

• Rubens, Philip M., and Robert Jones. “Ambrose Bierce: A Bibliographic Essay and Bibliography.” American Literary Realism, 1870-1910 (1983): 73-91.
• Bahr, Howard W. “Ambrose Bierce and Realism.” Southern Quarterly 1.3 (1963): 309.

Websites:

• Ambrose Bierce Biography – Literary Devices. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/an-occurrence-at-owl-creek-bridge/literary-devices.

Representative Quotations from “The Affair at Coulter’s Notch” by Ambrose Bierce

Quotation	Explanation
“DO you think, Colonel, that your brave Coulter would like to put one of his guns in here?”	The general asks the colonel if Captain Coulter would be willing to place a gun in a specific location, Coulter’s Notch, implying that Coulter is known for his bravery.
“It is the only place,” said the general.	The general emphasizes that Coulter’s Notch is the only viable spot to position a gun to attack the enemy.
“There is room for but one gun, General— one against twelve.”	The colonel expresses concern about the odds of engaging the enemy with only one gun against twelve.
“That is true—for only one at a time,” said the commander with something like, yet not altogether like, a smile.	The general responds with irony, implying that Captain Coulter is capable of making a difference despite the odds.
“If our fellows are doing such good work with a single gun,” said the colonel to an aide, ” they must be suffering like the devil from twelve.”	The colonel remarks on the effectiveness of Captain Coulter’s single gun and expresses concern about the toll the enemy’s twelve guns must be taking on their troops.