Discussion Questions For

Discussion Questions for “ An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce

1. Which details in the 1st paragraph show the use of the omniscient point of view? (481) The descriptions of the man who is about to be hanged and the identities, responsibilities and ranks of the soldiers on the bridge. 2. What event is about to take place on the bridge? (481) A man is about to be hanged by members of the Federal army. 3. In the war that divides his nation, which side does Farquhar support? (483) Farquhar supports the Confederacy. 4. List a phrase from the story that shows the narrator has switched from omniscient to limited third- person. (482) “fix his last thoughts upon his wife and children” This shift changes the story’s focus to the observations and feelings of a single character. 5. What is the watch’s ticking sound compared to and what type of literary element is this? What does this show about the man’s senses? The stroke of a blacksmith’s hammer on an anvil. Simile… His senses are extra strong before death. 6. What surprising event happens after Farquhar first loses consciousness? (485) The rope apparently breaks, and he falls into the water. 7. How do soldiers try to stop Farquhar after he dives? (487) The soldiers shoot at Farquhar and fire a cannon at him. 8. What must readers figure out in order to understand this short story? The order of events needs to be organized by actual time to make sense of the story. 9. Why does the Federal scout want to burn the bridge? And what does this say about his character? He wants to set Farquhar up. He is not above setting up Farquhar. 10. Why is the narrator surprised to find Peyton Farquhar about to be hanged? Farquhar looks kindly and is a gentleman.