The Hangman's Perspective on Justice

The poem 'The Hangman' by Maurice Ogden tells the story of a hangman who arrives in a town and begins executing people. Initially, the townspeople feel relieved as the hangman targets outsiders, but as the executions continue, fear and silence grip the town. The gallows grow larger, and the hangman eventually reveals that the scaffold was meant for the narrator, who is left alone to face his fate. The poem explores themes of complicity, fear, and the consequences of inaction.

What does the hangman bring with him when he arrives in town?

• A sense of peace and prosperity

• Gold, blood, and flame

• A message of hope

• A new law for the town

Where does the hangman build his gallows?

• In the town square

• By the river

• On the outskirts of town

• In the forest

How do the townspeople initially feel about the hangman's presence?

• They are excited

• They are indifferent

• They are filled with dread

• They are welcoming

Who is the first person the hangman selects for execution?

• A farmer

• A town official

• A foreigner

• A local merchant

What is the townspeople's reaction to the first execution?

• They celebrate

• They ignore it

• They feel relieved

• They protest loudly

What happens to the gallows after the first execution?

• It is taken down

• It is moved to another location

• It remains standing

• It is destroyed

Who is the second victim chosen by the hangman?

• A baker

• A soldier

• A teacher

• A usurer

What is the hangman's response when questioned about the second victim?

• He explains the victim's crime

• He remains silent

• He says it's a test of the gallows

• He apologizes

Who is the third victim chosen by the hangman?

• A blacksmith

• A priest

• A farmer

• A Jew

How do the townspeople react to the third execution?

• They cheer

• They leave town

• They are silent

• They are outraged