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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. Which of the following does NOT describe the condemned man?

2. According to the soldiers' ____________, death is to be honored.

3. What do the privates do after moving away from the man?

4. Who stands with the spectators?

5. The remaining plank spans how many railroad ties?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens just as Peyton is about to embrace his wife?

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

3. Who does Peyton see coming to meet him and how does he respond?

4. What other characters appear at the scene with the condemned man?

5. Describe the darkness and uncertainty of the forest and what incentive keeps Peyton moving.

6. Explain the second step in the execution.

7. What does the soldier tell Peyton about a notice that has been posted?

8. What is the irony that Peyton notes after he has landed in the water with the noose still around his neck?

9. What does the condemned man view as his only chance at escape?

10. How can Peyton's devotion to the Southern cause be identified?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

What is your opinion of Peyton Farquhar? Do you think he was a willful man bent on his own destruction for his own purposes? Or is he someone to be pitied for his misguided sense of loyalty and duty? Or is he someone else entirely? State your position on Peyton and support your answer with rationale.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 694 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample