Owl Creek Bridge

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.

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.

What explicit detail shows that Farquhar’s escape is imagined?

• The soldiers fire at him.

• He feels pain in his neck.

• The forest appears surreal and endless.

• His wife waits at the gate.

How does the narrative structure contribute to the story’s twist?

• It presents events in chronological order.

• It alternates between Farquhar’s perspective and the soldiers’.

• It delays key information until the end.

• It includes multiple points of view.

How does the final twist affect the overall meaning?

• It highlights the futility of Farquhar’s illusions.

• It shows the randomness of death.

• It emphasizes the brutality of war.

• It critiques the soldiers’ lack of empathy.

How does the flashback contribute to the story’s themes?

• It highlights Farquhar’s patriotism

• It reveals the complexity of his illusions

• It critiques the futility of war

• It emphasizes time’s subjectivity