Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge1

What does the ticking of Farquhar's watch symbolize?

• His fear of time running out

• The inevitability of death

• The significance of memory

• The escape of reality

Answer explanation

The ticking of Farquhar's watch symbolizes his fear of time running out, reflecting his anxiety about mortality and the fleeting nature of life as he faces imminent danger.

Which storytelling technique is used in the opening scene where Peyton Farquhar stands on the bridge, awaiting execution?

• Flashback

• In medias res

• Suspense

• Stream of Consciousness

Answer explanation

The opening scene uses 'in medias res' as it begins in the midst of action, with Peyton Farquhar already on the bridge, creating immediate tension and drawing the reader into the story without prior context.

Which element BEST creates suspense in the narrative?

• The setting description

• The dialogue between Farquhar and his wife

• The delay in revealing Farquhar's fate

• The portrayal of the soldiers

Answer explanation

The delay in revealing Farquhar's fate creates tension and keeps readers on edge, heightening suspense as they anticipate the outcome of his situation, making it the most effective element in building suspense.

Why does the author include detailed descriptions of Farquhar’s sensory experiences?

• To highlight the realism of the escape

• To blur the line between reality and illusion

• To emphasize the horror of war

• To show Farquhar’s intelligence

Answer explanation

The author includes detailed sensory descriptions to blur the line between reality and illusion, immersing the reader in Farquhar's experience and creating a dreamlike quality that reflects his psychological state during the escape.

Which sentence BEST creates suspense during Farquhar’s escape?

• "He observed that it was a gray eye and remembered having read that gray eyes were keenest."

• "The sound of a clear, high voice in a monotonous singsong now rang out behind him."

• "To die of hanging at the bottom of a river!"

• "The soldiers had almost finished reloading."

Answer explanation

The sentence "The soldiers had almost finished reloading" creates the most suspense as it implies imminent danger for Farquhar, heightening the tension of his escape and the urgency of his situation.

What inference can be made about the captain’s decision to execute Farquhar?

• He is eager to enforce military law.

• He has personal animosity toward Farquhar.

• He views the execution as routine.

• He feels conflicted about his duty.

Answer explanation

The captain's decision to execute Farquhar suggests he views it as a routine military action, indicating a detachment from the moral implications of his duty rather than personal feelings or conflict.

What is the purpose of the flashback in Section II of the story?

• To explain Farquhar's motivations

• To create suspense

• To confuse the reader

• To show the setting

Answer explanation

The flashback in Section II reveals Farquhar's background and motivations, helping readers understand his actions and decisions leading up to the critical events in the story.

What does the forest symbolize during Farquhar’s imagined escape?

• It represents freedom and survival.

• It highlights his disorientation.

• It shows his military cunning.

• It mirrors the chaos of war.

Answer explanation

The forest during Farquhar's imagined escape symbolizes his disorientation, as he struggles to navigate through the chaos of his surroundings, reflecting his confusion and the surreal nature of his experience.

Which theme is MOST evident in Farquhar’s imagined reunion with his wife?

• Love transcends death.

• Perception shapes reality.

• War destroys families.

• Death is inevitable.

Answer explanation

In Farquhar's imagined reunion with his wife, his perception of reality shapes a comforting illusion of love and connection, highlighting how one's mindset can alter their experience, even in the face of death.

How does the title "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" reflect the story’s tone?

• It downplays the emotional gravity.

• It emphasizes the historical significance.

• It sets a suspenseful tone.

• It highlights the military context.

Answer explanation

The title "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" suggests a mundane event, which downplays the emotional gravity of the story's tragic themes, contrasting with the intense experiences of the protagonist.