An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge By Ambrose Bierce

Reviewed by Editorial Team

The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.

Learn about Our Editorial Process

| By Verdun

Verdun

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 123 | Total Attempts: 111,413

| Attempts: 2,045

Questions

Feedback

During the Quiz End of Quiz

Difficulty

Easy First Hard First Sequential

1/44 Questions

Who wrote An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge ?
- Bierce Farquhar
- Ambrose Bierce
- Peyton Farquhar

An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge By Ambrose Bierce - Quiz

About This Quiz

Explore 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce through this quiz. Assess your understanding of the plot, setting, characters, and conflicts in this Civil War-era short story, enhancing literary analysis skills.

Quiz Preview

2.

What is the setting of the story?
- Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama during the Civil War.
- At Bierce Farquhar's home in northern Alabama during the Civil War.
- In prison northern Alabama during the Civil War.
Correct Answer

A. Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama during the Civil War.

Explanation

The correct answer is Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama during the Civil War. This is the setting of the story because it is mentioned directly in the answer option. The story takes place at Owl Creek Bridge, which is located in northern Alabama during the Civil War. The setting is important because it helps to establish the historical context and the physical location where the events of the story unfold.

Rate this question:
3.

The story's protagonist is
- Peyton Bierce
- Ambrose Bierce
- Peyton Farquhar
Correct Answer

A. Peyton Farquhar

Explanation

The correct answer is Peyton Farquhar. This is because the question is asking for the protagonist of the story, and Peyton Farquhar is the only character mentioned in the options.

Rate this question:
4.

The story's protagonist believes the story takes place
- At Turtle Creek Bridge in northern Alabama, down stream fromTurtle Creek Bridge in Southern Alabama, and at his home.
- At Duck Creek Bridge in Southern Alabama, down stream from Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama, and at his home.
- at Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama, down stream from Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama, and at his home.
Correct Answer

A. at Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama, down stream from Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama, and at his home.

Explanation

The protagonist believes that the story takes place at Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama, downstream from Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama, and at his home. This is evident from the given statement where the protagonist mentions Turtle Creek Bridge in northern Alabama and Duck Creek Bridge in Southern Alabama as separate locations. Therefore, the correct answer is that the story takes place at Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama, downstream from Owl Creek Bridge in northern Alabama, and at his home.

Rate this question:
5.

The obvious conflict is
- Peyton Farquhar vs. the Federal army
- Ambrose Bierce vs. the Federal army
- Peyton Bierce vs. the Federal army
Correct Answer

A. Peyton Farquhar vs. the Federal army

Explanation

The correct answer is Peyton Farquhar vs. the Federal army. This is because in the given options, Peyton Farquhar is the only individual mentioned who is in conflict with the Federal army. Ambrose Bierce is a writer and not directly involved in the conflict, and Peyton Bierce is not a known individual. Therefore, the conflict between Peyton Farquhar and the Federal army is the most logical choice.

Rate this question:
6.

Did this seem like a fair fight?
- Yes
- No
- In some parts of the story
Correct Answer

A. No

Explanation

The answer "no" suggests that the fight was not fair. This could be due to various reasons such as one side having an unfair advantage, the rules of the fight being biased, or one side using unethical tactics. Without further context, it is difficult to determine the exact reason why the fight was deemed unfair.

Rate this question:
7.

Whay was the internal conflict?
- as Bierce battles the fear of dying by remembering what is most precious to him.
- as Farquhar battles the fear of dying by remembering what is most precious to him.
- As Farquhar battles the fear becoming a slave and working on a farm.
Correct Answer

A. as Farquhar battles the fear of dying by remembering what is most precious to him.

Explanation

The correct answer is "as Farquhar battles the fear of dying by remembering what is most precious to him." This explanation is supported by the information provided in the question, which states that Farquhar is battling the fear of dying. The statement also mentions that he is doing this by remembering what is most precious to him, which suggests that he is using this as a way to cope with his fear.

Rate this question:
8.

Farquhar is hanged. During the short interval between his dropping and dying, he hallucinates plunging into the water, freeing his hands and neck, swimming to safety, and running into the arms of his wife.
- Major Story Events
- Minor Story Events
- Imaginary Story Events
Correct Answer

A. Major Story Events

Explanation

The given answer, "Major Story Events," is correct because the events described in the explanation are crucial to the development and resolution of the story. Farquhar's hallucinations of escaping and reuniting with his wife highlight his desperate desire for freedom and the emotional impact of his imminent death. These events contribute to the overall narrative and help convey the themes of the story, making them significant in the progression of the plot.

Rate this question:

0
9.

What is the plot structure?
- The story is broken into three parts. Part 1 is the exposition. Part 2 gives background information on the story's protagonist. Part 3 contains all the action.
- The story is broken into three parts. Part 1 is the disposition. Part 2 gives background information on the story's antagonist. Part 3 contains no action.
- The story is broken into three parts. Part 1 isetting. Part 2 gives no background information on the story's protagonist. Part 3 contains civil war action.
Correct Answer

A. The story is broken into three parts. Part 1 is the exposition. Part 2 gives background information on the story's protagonist. Part 3 contains all the action.

Explanation

The correct answer is that the story is broken into three parts. Part 1 is the exposition, where the setting and characters are introduced. Part 2 provides background information on the story's protagonist, giving the reader a deeper understanding of their motivations and past. Part 3 is where all the action takes place, driving the plot forward and resolving any conflicts.

Rate this question:
10.

What is the theme of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge ?
- Man vs nature
- The running, the happy life, the time for fun, and the reality of no war.
- the realities of war, the suddenness of death, the fluidity of time, and the distortion of reality and illusion.
Correct Answer

A. the realities of war, the suddenness of death, the fluidity of time, and the distortion of reality and illusion.

Explanation

The theme of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" explores the harsh realities of war, the unexpectedness of death, the concept of time as a fluid and subjective experience, and the ways in which reality and illusion can become distorted. The story delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist, highlighting the brutal nature of war and the fragile nature of human existence. It also challenges the reader's perception of reality by blurring the line between what is real and what is imagined.

Rate this question:
11.

How does the story's structure reflect "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" themes?
- The rigid narrative structure symbolizes the rigidity of the military and military code, a code that Farquhar has learned painfully. Within this rigidity is violence and death. Part 3 of the story distorts time insomuch that it is the longest section, contains most of the action, yet encompasses only a few seconds.
- The rigid narrative structure symbolizes the rigidity of the family and familly code, a code that Bierce has learned painfully. Within this rigidity is non violence and death. Part 3 of the story gives a true time insomuch that it is the longest section, contains most of the action, yet encompasses only a many seconds.
- This story symbolizes joy and faith in our fellow man to do what is right and noble.
Correct Answer

A. The rigid narrative structure symbolizes the rigidity of the military and military code, a code that Farquhar has learned painfully. Within this rigidity is violence and death. Part 3 of the story distorts time insomuch that it is the longest section, contains most of the action, yet encompasses only a few seconds.

Explanation

The given answer explains that the rigid narrative structure in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" reflects the rigidity of the military and military code. It suggests that the protagonist, Farquhar, has learned the painful consequences of this code. The answer also mentions that within this rigidity, there is violence and death, which is reflected in the story. Additionally, it points out that Part 3 of the story distorts time, emphasizing that it is the longest section but encompasses only a few seconds, highlighting the intense and chaotic nature of the events.

Rate this question:
12.

At what point does the reader suspect Farquhar is only dreaming his escape?
- The point at which most readers become suspicious is the appearance of the perfectly tree-lined road leading to Farquhar's house and the preceeding swollen tongue and neck pain.
- The point at which most readers become suspicious is the appearance of the soldiers hunting down people and the running of on to the brige and jumping off.
- The point at which most readers become suspicious is the appearance slaves at the door of his farm, asking to hide at his home.
Correct Answer

A. The point at which most readers become suspicious is the appearance of the perfectly tree-lined road leading to Farquhar's house and the preceeding swollen tongue and neck pain.

Explanation

The mention of the perfectly tree-lined road and the physical symptoms experienced by Farquhar, such as swollen tongue and neck pain, suggest that his escape may be a product of his imagination or a dream. These details create a sense of surrealism and indicate that the events may not be happening in reality.

Rate this question:
13.

____________________is a Southern planter of about thirty-five years of age who has been apprehended by the Union Army for attempting to destroy the railroad bridge at Owl Creek. It is this crime for which he is about to be hanged. Farquhar is a prosperous farmer and slave owner from an old and respected Alabama family.
- Ambrose Bierce
- Peyton Farquhar
- Bierce Farquhar
Correct Answer

A. Peyton Farquhar

Explanation

Peyton Farquhar is the correct answer because the passage states that he is the Southern planter who has been apprehended by the Union Army for attempting to destroy the railroad bridge at Owl Creek. The passage also describes him as a prosperous farmer and slave owner from an old and respected Alabama family. Therefore, based on the given information, Peyton Farquhar is the most suitable answer.

Rate this question:
14.

Mrs. Farqhar
- Ambros's wife
- Peyton's wife
- Bierce's wife
Correct Answer

A. Peyton's wife

Explanation

The correct answer is Peyton's wife because the question is asking for the wife of someone named Peyton. Since the options given are different people's wives, we can conclude that Mrs. Farqhar is Peyton's wife based on the given information.

Rate this question:
15.

Union Scout
- Soldier who wears South American colors when he rides onto Farqhar's plantation (flashback); asks for drink of water
- Soldier who wears Union colors when he rides onto Farqhar's plantation (flashback); asks for drink of water
- Soldier who wears Confederate colors when he rides onto Farqhar's plantation (flashback); asks for drink of water
Correct Answer

A. Soldier who wears Confederate colors when he rides onto Farqhar's plantation (flashback); asks for drink of water

Explanation

The correct answer is "soldier who wears Confederate colors when he rides onto Farqhar's plantation (flashback); asks for drink of water." This answer accurately describes the character in the story who arrives at Farqhar's plantation wearing Confederate colors and asks for a drink of water. The mention of Confederate colors indicates that the soldier is aligned with the Confederate army during the Civil War.

Rate this question:
16.

A man disguised as a Confederate soldier. He plants the seeds for Farquhar’s sabotage and sets the disastrous course of events into action. His dual identity, which has him allied with the North but pretending otherwise, mirrors the gap between fiction and reality that serves as one of the story’s main preoccupations
- The Northern Scout
- The Sergeant
- The Eastern Scout
Correct Answer

A. The Northern Scout

Explanation

The correct answer is The Northern Scout. The explanation is that the man disguised as a Confederate soldier is actually allied with the North and is planting the seeds for Farquhar's sabotage. This dual identity reflects the theme of fiction versus reality in the story.

Rate this question:
17.

A Confederate officer. The sergeant conducts himself with the bearing of someone who may have been a deputy sheriff in civilian life. An all-but-invisible presence in the story, he is overly indulgent of the importance of his post and ceremonious nature of the execution.
- The Northern Scout
- The Southern Scout
- The Sergeant
Correct Answer

A. The Northern Scout
18.

After the board is kicked out from under him, Farquhar experiences
- An intense sharpening of his senses
- Despair and grief
- A surprising joy and relief
- Nothing
Correct Answer

A. An intense sharpening of his senses

Explanation

After the board is kicked out from under him, Farquhar experiences an intense sharpening of his senses. This can be inferred from the text as it mentions that "the intensity of his perception seemed to increase" and he noticed "the ticking of his watch" and "the individual leaves and the smallest branches on the trees". This heightened awareness suggests that Farquhar's senses have become more acute, possibly due to the adrenaline and heightened state of alertness caused by his precarious situation.

Rate this question:
19.

While Farquhar is under water, he thinks he’s going to die but
- The current is so strong the ropes break
- The soldiers rescue him
- The river carries him to safety
- His hands seem to work independently of his will and free him
Correct Answer

A. His hands seem to work independently of his will and free him

Explanation

While Farquhar is under water, he believes that he is going to die. However, his hands seem to have a mind of their own and work independently of his will, ultimately freeing him from his restraints. This unexpected turn of events allows him to escape and potentially find safety.

Rate this question:
20.

At the gate of his home, Farquar is greeted by the sight of
- Yankee soldiers
- His smiling wife
- a blinding white light
- a battery of cannons
Correct Answer

A. His smiling wife

Explanation

The correct answer is "his smiling wife." This is because the sentence states that Farquar is greeted by the sight of something at the gate of his home. Out of the given options, the only one that makes sense in this context is his smiling wife. The other options, a blinding white light and a battery of cannons, do not fit the description of something that would be at the gate of his home.

Rate this question:
21.

The last thoughts to pass through Farquhar’s mind when he is on the bridge are about
- Religion
- his family
- deputy sheriff
- Professional spy
Correct Answer

A. his family

Explanation

The correct answer is "his family." This can be inferred from the context of the question, which mentions that these are the last thoughts to pass through Farquhar's mind when he is on the bridge. This suggests that in his final moments, Farquhar's thoughts are focused on his loved ones, specifically his family.

Rate this question:
22.

Which of the following best reflects the use of the omniscient point of view?
- The writer objectively describes the scene at the plantation.
- The writer focuses only on Farquhar and his thoughts and feelings.
- The narrator reports that the gray-clad horseman was a Federal scout.
- The narrator gives a first-person account of the events.
Correct Answer

A. The narrator reports that the gray-clad horseman was a Federal scout.

Explanation

The use of the omniscient point of view is reflected in the statement where the narrator reports that the gray-clad horseman was a Federal scout. In the omniscient point of view, the narrator has knowledge of all the characters' thoughts, feelings, and actions. By providing information about the horseman's identity, the narrator demonstrates an understanding of the character's background and motivations, indicating an omniscient perspective.

Rate this question:
23.

Which one of the following statements about Peyton Farquhar is true?
- He betrayed the Confederate forces.
- Federal troops shot at him repeatedly.
- He was tricked by a Federal spy.
- He was a loner who had no family.
Correct Answer

A. He was tricked by a Federal spy.

Explanation

Peyton Farquhar is true because he was tricked by a Federal spy.

Rate this question:
24.

When Farquhar hears his watch ticking with an exaggerated intensity, Bierce is using the point of view known as
- Second-person limited
- Third-person limited
- objective
- subjective
Correct Answer

A. Third-person limited

Explanation

The correct answer is third-person limited. In this point of view, the narrator is an outsider who focuses on the thoughts and feelings of only one character. In this case, the narrator focuses on Farquhar and describes his experience of hearing the watch ticking with an exaggerated intensity.

Rate this question:
25.

On his homeward journey through the forest, Farquhar notices that the landscape is
- Beautiful
- Devastated
- barren
- deserted
Correct Answer

A. deserted

Explanation

Farquhar notices that the landscape is deserted on his homeward journey through the forest. This suggests that there are no signs of human or animal activity, and the area appears to be abandoned or uninhabited. The absence of any signs of life adds to the sense of isolation and loneliness in the forest, creating a stark and desolate atmosphere.

Rate this question:
26.

The ending reveals that Farquhar’s flight through the woods was
- An illusion
- a ruse
- A memory
- a flashback
Correct Answer

A. An illusion

Explanation

The ending of the story reveals that Farquhar's flight through the woods was an illusion. This means that his escape attempt and all the events that occurred during it were not real, but rather a figment of his imagination. This twist ending adds a layer of complexity to the story and challenges the reader's perception of what is real and what is not. It also highlights the desperate state of Farquhar's mind as he faces his impending execution.

Rate this question:
27.

The surprise ending of the story reveals that Farquhar’s actual fate was
- A last-minute reprieve
- a successful escape
- Death by drowning
- Death by hanging
Correct Answer

A. Death by hanging

Explanation

The surprise ending of the story reveals that Farquhar's actual fate was death by hanging. This is evidenced by the description of his neck being broken and his body swinging gently from side to side. The story builds up suspense and leads the reader to believe that Farquhar has successfully escaped, but the twist ending reveals that he was caught and ultimately executed.

Rate this question:
28.

Farquar learns about the recent repairs at Owl Creek bridge from a
- Yankee spy
- Federal scout
- neighbor
- Southern soldier
Correct Answer

A. Federal scout

Explanation

The correct answer is "Federal scout." Farquar learns about the recent repairs at Owl Creek bridge from a Federal scout. This means that the scout, who is likely working for the Union army, provides Farquar with information about the bridge's repairs.

Rate this question:
29.

Before the war, Peyton Farquhar was a
- Gentleman planter
- Cavalry soldier
- Deputy sheriff
- Professional spy
Correct Answer

A. Gentleman planter

Explanation

Peyton Farquhar is described as a "gentleman planter" before the war. This suggests that he was a wealthy landowner who cultivated crops and lived a comfortable lifestyle. Being a gentleman planter implies that he was part of the upper class in society, indicating his social status and occupation prior to the war.

Rate this question:
30.

What is the resolution of the story?
- Farquhar escapes into the river and forest.
- Farquhar imagines escaping.
- Farquhar tries to destroy the Owl Creek bridge and is caught
- Farquhar is hanged.
Correct Answer

A. Farquhar is hanged.

Explanation

Farquhar does not actually escape, so a can be eliminated. While Farquhar does try to destroy the Owl Creek Bridge and is caught, this does not resolve his conflict with Union soldiers, so c can be eliminated. Farquhar did dream of escaping, but that does end his conflict. Therefore, b can be eliminated. Farquhar’s conflict was with the Union army. The conflict was ended or resolved when he was hanged for his actions, so d is the correct answer.

Rate this question:
31.

Why is the flashback important to the plot?
- It reveals Farquhar’s motivations and lets the reader know why he was hanged.
- It reveals that Farquhar is actually dead.
- It details what Farquhar accomplished before he was caught and why he was hanged
- It reveals that Farquhar is actually a Federal scout.
Correct Answer

A. It reveals Farquhar’s motivations and lets the reader know why he was hanged.

Explanation

The flashback is important to the plot because it provides insight into Farquhar's motivations and explains why he was ultimately hanged. It helps the reader understand the events leading up to his execution and adds depth to his character.

Rate this question:
32.

What type of character is the Protagonist?
- Round
- Square
- Rectangle
Correct Answer

A. Round

Explanation

The Protagonist is described as "round" because they are a well-developed and complex character. They have various traits, emotions, and motivations that make them relatable and multidimensional. This type of character is often the main focus of the story and undergoes significant growth and change throughout the narrative.

Rate this question:
33.

Antagonist:
- Slaves
- Farmers
- Military
Correct Answer

A. Military

Explanation

The correct answer is military because an antagonist is a character or group of characters that opposes the protagonist in a story. Slaves and farmers may not necessarily be opposing the protagonist, but the military often serves as a primary source of conflict and opposition in many narratives.

Rate this question:
34.

Type of Conflicts:
- Man vs Man and Man vs Environment
- Man vs Slaves and Man vs Water
- Water vs Slaves and Animals vs Water
Correct Answer

A. Man vs Man and Man vs Environment

Explanation

The correct answer is Man vs Man and Man vs Environment because the conflicts mentioned in the options involve conflicts between individuals (Man vs Man) and conflicts between individuals and their surroundings (Man vs Environment). The other options do not match this pattern.

Rate this question:
35.

Describe the Climax of the Story
- When Peyton Farquhar saw his wife
- When soldier shot Farquhar
- When Peyton Farquhar swimming away and being shot at
Correct Answer

A. When Peyton Farquhar swimming away and being shot at

Explanation

The climax of the story is when Peyton Farquhar is swimming away and being shot at. This is the most intense and pivotal moment in the story, where the tension reaches its peak and the outcome of the story is determined. It is the moment of highest suspense and conflict, as Farquhar desperately tries to escape while being pursued and shot at by soldiers. This climax also marks the turning point in the story, leading to the resolution and conclusion of the narrative.

Rate this question:
36.

How does the Protagonist change over the course of the story?
- Farquhar is farming. At the end he is having a party.
- Farquhar is on the ground cying. Farquhar is happy at the end.
- Farquhar thinks he has no hope but then he gets away. At the start Farquhar is alive and at the end he's dead.
Correct Answer

A. Farquhar thinks he has no hope but then he gets away. At the start Farquhar is alive and at the end he's dead.

Explanation

The protagonist, Farquhar, undergoes a significant change over the course of the story. Initially, he is alive and believes that there is no hope for him. However, as the story progresses, he manages to escape and finds a glimmer of hope. This change in his mindset and his determination to survive showcases his transformation. However, despite his efforts, he ultimately meets his demise, as indicated by the fact that he is alive at the start of the story but dead by the end.

Rate this question:
37.

Describe the relationship between the title and the theme.
- Peyton's hanging was an Occurrence at Owl Creek
- Peyton's hanging was an Occurrence at Turtle Creek
- Peyton's hanging was an Occurrence at Duck Creek
Correct Answer

A. Peyton's hanging was an Occurrence at Owl Creek

Explanation

The title and the theme of the story are closely related because they both involve Peyton's hanging at Owl Creek. The title suggests that Peyton's hanging is a significant event that takes place at Owl Creek, which implies that the theme of the story is centered around this occurrence. The title sets the stage for the reader and indicates that the story will revolve around Peyton's hanging at Owl Creek, creating a sense of anticipation and intrigue.

Rate this question:
38.

How does the climax help to illustrate the theme?
- Peyton's home was very beautiful.
- Peyton's hanging and escape was an Occurrence at Owl Creek.
- Peyton's life was long and full.
Correct Answer

A. Peyton's hanging and escape was an Occurrence at Owl Creek.

Explanation

The correct answer is Peyton's hanging and escape was an Occurrence at Owl Creek. This answer suggests that the climax of the story, which is Peyton's hanging and subsequent escape, helps to illustrate the theme of the story. The events of Peyton's hanging and escape serve as a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the theme of the unpredictability of fate and the blurred line between reality and illusion. The intense and dramatic climax contributes to the overall message of the story, making it a significant element in illustrating the theme.

Rate this question:

1
39.

"They hurt his ear like the thrust of a knife""They seemed like streams of pulsating fire heating him to an intolerable temperature. ""The water roared in his ears like the voice of Niagara"
- Metaphor
- Simile
- Personification
Correct Answer

A. Simile

Explanation

The given phrases use the words "like" and "as" to make comparisons between different things. This indicates that they are examples of similes. Similes compare two unlike things using the words "like" or "as" to create a vivid image or description. In this case, the phrases are comparing the pain in his ear to the thrust of a knife, the streams of fire, and the roaring of water. Similes are often used in literature to enhance the reader's understanding and create a more vivid and engaging experience.

Rate this question:
40.

"he thought with the rapidity of lightning."
- Metaphor
- Simile
- Personification
Correct Answer

A. Metaphor

Explanation

The phrase "he thought with the rapidity of lightning" is a metaphor because it is comparing the speed of someone's thoughts to the speed of lightning. A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things, highlighting a similarity between them. In this case, the comparison emphasizes the quickness and intensity of the person's thinking process.

Rate this question:
41.

Who dies in the story an occurrence at owl creek bridge?
- Ambrose Farquhar is the main character in Ambrose Farquhar ' story An occurrence at Owl Creek bridge. At the end of the story, Farquhar dies. Or perhaps he dies at the beginning.
- Bierce is the main character in Peyton Farquhar's story An occurrence at Owl Creek bridge. At the end of the story, Farquhar dies. Or perhaps he dies at the beginning
- Peyton Farquhar is the main character in Ambrose Bierce' story An occurrence at Owl Creek bridge. At the end of the story, Farquhar dies. Or perhaps he dies at the beginning.
Correct Answer

A. Peyton Farquhar is the main character in Ambrose Bierce' story An occurrence at Owl Creek bridge. At the end of the story, Farquhar dies. Or perhaps he dies at the beginning.

Explanation

The correct answer is Peyton Farquhar. In the story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," Peyton Farquhar is the main character who ultimately dies. The story explores the events leading up to his execution by hanging, as well as his vivid and surreal escape fantasy before his death. The ambiguity of whether Farquhar dies at the beginning or end of the story adds to the narrative's suspense and leaves room for interpretation.

Rate this question:
42.

The story's power originates from its shocking conclusion. Bierce does, however, reveal clues as to the nature of Farquhars "escape" (clues that are much easier to recognize after having read the story several times, by the way). These clues include the preposterous nature of his escape. Farquhar mentions his plan of escape in part 1, a completely absurd plan that occurs in part 3. The perfect, isolated tree-lined road, followed by pained neck, swollen tongue, and congested eyes hint at Farquhar's death, in addition to the fantasy like appearance of his wife running to him right before the secret is revealed.
- Author's Purpose and Plot Structure
- Foreshadowing
- Realism
Correct Answer

A. Foreshadowing

Explanation

The given correct answer is "Foreshadowing". This is because the clues mentioned in the explanation, such as the preposterous nature of Farquhar's escape plan, the physical symptoms he experiences, and the fantasy-like appearance of his wife, all hint at his impending death. These clues serve to foreshadow the shocking conclusion of the story, adding to its power and impact.

Rate this question:
43.

The use of details establishes authenticity to the story's setting; even Farquhar's imagined escape contains realistic detail up to the point where he discovers the tree-lined road leading up to his house, which by the way, is a realistic dream someone might have while being hanged from a bridge in northern Alabama (not that I've ever been hanged from a bridge in northern Alabama; I'm just speculating). Bierce draws on his experience as a Civil War soldier--he fought for the North--to create a realistic military atmosphere. Bierce's detailed portrayal of the violence of war negates its often romanticized portrayal.
- Author's Purpose and Plot Structure
- Foreshadowing
- Realism
Correct Answer

A. Realism

Explanation

The given correct answer for this question is "Realism." The explanation for this answer is that the use of details in the story, including the realistic portrayal of Farquhar's imagined escape and Bierce's detailed portrayal of the violence of war, establishes authenticity and creates a sense of realism in the narrative. The author draws on his own experience as a Civil War soldier to accurately depict the military atmosphere, and this attention to detail helps to negate the romanticized portrayal of war.

Rate this question:
44.

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" makes for a good discussion on author's purpose and narrative structure. The story's neatly aligned into three sections (much like the neat alignment of soldiers), within the which is fantasy, feigned heroism, and violent death (sounds like war). The first section contains the exposition. The second section contains additional background information along with a flashback. The third section contains the suspensful escape and shocking conclusion. It ironically contains the shortest time sequence and the most words.
- Author's Purpose and Plot Structure
- Foreshadowing
- Realism
Correct Answer

A. Author's Purpose and Plot Structure

Explanation

The correct answer is "Author's Purpose and Plot Structure" because the explanation provided states that "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a good discussion on the author's purpose and narrative structure. The story is neatly aligned into three sections, each serving a different purpose and contributing to the overall plot structure. The explanation also mentions the different elements present in each section, such as fantasy, feigned heroism, and violent death, which further highlight the author's purpose in crafting the story in this particular way.

Rate this question: