Deconstructing the Question

In English, we have been deconstructing exam questions. I believe that if I do such a thing for my major project it will help me properly define and answer the question.

Discuss the representations of the American Civil War in the stories of Ambrose Bierce.

Discuss - verb - to consider or examine by argument, comment, etc.; talk over or write about, especially to explore solutions; debate http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Discuss?s=t
                        - To debate or examine an argument or comment so as to better understand the topic.
    Synonyms: altercate, compare, argue, consider, converse, debate, examine, explain http://thesaurus.com/browse/Discuss__utma=1.349034671.1345435684.1345435684.1345435684.1&__utmb=1.3.9.1345435697558&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1345435684.1.1.utmcsr=bing|utmccn=(organicutmcmd=organic|utmctr=Dictionary&__utmv=-&__utmk=67983633

 Representations - the views or images of something
    Synonyms: serve, appear, depiction, exhibition, illustration, image, impression, narration, portrayal
http://thesaurus.com/browse/representations?s=t

Stories - .

1. a narrative, either true or fictitious, in prose or verse, designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the hearer or reader; tale.

2. a fictitious tale, shorter and less elaborate than a novel.

           A ficticous or true narrative which relays events and can be expressed in a variety of different text types

       Synonyms: anecdote, narratives, tale, version, article, allegory, fiction, fable



So, more or less, the question is asking for the responder to examine the views and images recorded by Ambrose Bierce about the American Civil War in his narratives, some of which are true, and others which are a work of fiction.