Study Guide an Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

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American Literature Study Guide—“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”

1. What is Farquhar’s crime? What was he caught doing?

2. On page 468, why are the soldiers on the bridge motionless and quiet?

3. According to page 469, what distracts the condemned man as he tries to concentrate on thoughts of his wife and family?

4. On page 470, what does Farquhar ask the gray-clad soldier who stops at his gate for water?

5. On page 471, what is the soldier’s real motive for stopping at the Farquhar's’ gate?

6. On page 471, what does Farquhar believe has happened to save him from a death by hanging?

7. Farquhar believes he has freed himself from the ropes and risen to the surface of the water. What are his first impressions, according to page 471?

8. On pages 471-472, what jolts Farquhar out of his tranquility?

9. Why does Farquhar imagine the officer will order his men to “fire at will” rather than to fire a volley in unison, according to page 472?

10. Farquhar imagined himself swimming and then running to make his escape. What exaggerated sights, sounds, and feelings did he experience while making his escape?

11. As described on pages 472-473, what does Farquhar do after he leaves the water?

12. According to page 473, what does Farquhar imagine is happening at the moment of his death? What is really happening?

13. Why do you think Bierce called this unusual story of a hanging “an occurrence”?