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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The remaining plank spans how many railroad ties?

2. What crime has the condemned man committed?

3. What is the position of the man to be hanged?

4. What does the condemned man want to do as the noise pounds in his head?

5. What signal does the captain give to the sergeant?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is known about Peyton's allegiance to the Confederate cause?

2. What is the first step in beginning the execution?

3. Explain the third step in the execution.

4. What surprise twist occurs in the plot an hour after the soldier leaves the Farquhar house?

5. What are Peyton and his wife doing at the beginning of Part 2?

6. Describe the vortex in which Peyton finds himself after thinking he was safe from the Federal soldiers.

7. What is the point of view used by the author in Part 2 and how can you determine that.

8. What is the planter's name and where does he live?

9. How does the author use one word to indicate Mrs. Farquhar's devotion to the Confederate cause?

10. What does the condemned man look at from his position?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of man's inhumanity to man. Identify at least two examples about man's inhumanity to man in the book and provide support for your answers.

Essay Topic 2

The final part of Peyton's journey at the end of the story has what could be considered religious and spiritual motifs. Identify at least two of these motifs and explain what would make them consistent with a religious or spiritual genre.

Essay Topic 3

AN OCCURRENCE AT OWL CREEK BRIDGE is a classic escape from reality story. What does that classification entail? Why does this story fit into this category?

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This section contains 677 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample