Reading Guide for an Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Reading Guide for “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”

Literary Terms Definition Examples Irony

Point of View  Objective  Subjective

Flashback

Inference

Vocabulary Acclivity Embrasure Manifestations Etiquette Apprehension Imperious Poignant Ramification Periodicity Effaced Apprised Undulations

OVER Why has Farquhar, a civilian, been sentenced to hang?

What elements suggest Farquhar’s delusion of escape?

At the last moment, Farquhar thinks of a desperate escape plan. What is it?

What happens at the end of part III? What does Farquhar imagine?

Part II of the story characterizes Peyton Farquhar as a civilian who had longed for “the larger life of the soldier, the opportunity for distinction.” In light of subsequent events, what is ironic about Farquhar’s longings?

Part III concentrates on Farquhar’s perceptions. What details from this final scene suggest that the events take place in him mind?

The story’s last sentence is abrupt and surprising. What comment on life and death do you think this sentence makes?