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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. What color eyes does the condemned man have?

2. What holds the critical plank in place?

3. Which of the following is NOT a rank among the men on the platform with the man?

4. Which of the following is NOT a step in the hanging?

5. Where is the man standing at the beginning of Part 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Peyton's walking take a more pleasant tone and where does he end up?

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

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

4. Who s present as spectators of the event and how do they conduct themselves?

5. What could account for Peyton's experiences in Part 3?

6. Why is the condemned man not a typical hanging victim?

7. How does Part 2 help to fill in some information regarding the crime for which Peyton is to be hanged as learned in Part 1?

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

9. What is the condemned man's opinion on the execution method from his vantage point?

10. What does the condemned man think of while closing his eyes and what breaks his concentration?

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 living in denial. Identify at least two instances about denial in the story and then cite an examples to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

In Part 3, Peyton's dream adventure allows him to escape through a highly creative twist. Write an essay that follow along the lines of Peyton's dream, adding your own twists of plot, character and imagery.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does Bierce use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 749 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample