Quiz on 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge'

Why is the narrator of “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” surprised to find Peyton Farquhar about to be hanged?

• Farquhar is already dead.

• Only gentlemen are hanged in Alabama.

• Hanging has been outlawed in Alabama.

• Farquhar looks kindly and is a gentleman.

In “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” why does the narrator describe how Peyton Farquhar reacts to the sound of his watch?

• to show that Farquhar’s sense perceptions had become very distorted

• to draw a parallel between Farquhar and his executioners

• to explain why Farquhar had come to the bridge

• to illustrate the cruelty of the Union soldiers

When Peyton Farquhar suggests sabotage in “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” the Federal scout suggests that the bridge can be burned down. What does this response indicate most clearly about the scout’s character?

• He is an arsonist at heart

• He dislikes his commandant.

• He is not above setting up Farquhar.

• He is an honest and straightforward man.

In “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” which of the following happens first in the true sequence of events?

• Farquhar stands on the Owl Creek bridge with his neck “in the hemp.”

• Farquhar’s wife brings water to a thirsty Confederate soldier.

• Farquhar falls into the water when the rope breaks.

• Farquhar runs to greet his wife with open arms

Which of the following messages is most clearly conveyed in “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”?

• Warfare creates many hardships, but it sometimes is justifiable.

• People often get themselves into trouble by taking foolish risks.

• Soldiers must follow their orders, regardless of their personal feelings.

• It can be difficult to distinguish what seems real from what is truly real.

Which of the following situations could best be used to illustrate good etiquette?

• drinking a glass of milk and eating a slice of chocolate cake

• spending the day riding your bike along your favorite path

• thanking your friend politely for inviting you to a party

• planting colorful flowers every season in your yard

How would a person be treated if he or she were shown deference?

• with love and adoration

• with courtesy and respect

• with sympathy and reassurance

• with coldness and lack of concern

Which of these could most clearly be called a dictum?

• a piece of advice from a close friend

• a politician’s statement on an issue

• a biography of Ambrose Bierce

• a restaurant menu

In addition to his devotion to the Confederate cause, what motivates Peyton Farquhar to burn down the bridge in “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”?

• He admires military life and wants to accomplish something great.

• He needs the reward money so that he can provide for his family.

• He is angry at having been discharged from military service.

• He fears that his slaves will try to escape across the bridge.

Which of the following excerpts from “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” provides the clearest clue that certain events occur only in Peyton Farquhar’s imagination?

• Suddenly he heard a sharp report and something struck the water smartly within a few inches of his head.…

• Although no soldier, he had frequented camps enough to know the dread significance of that deliberate, drawling, aspirated chant.…

• The trees upon the bank were giant garden plants; he noted a definite order in their arrangement, inhaled the fragrance of their blooms.

• At last he found a road which led him in what he knew to be the right direction