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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 is the position of the man to be hanged?

2. Why is the man immobile?

3. What does the captain do after giving the signal to the sergeant?

4. The soldiers treat death with military etiquette and _______________.

5. Where are the sentinels standing guard?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is noted about the man's position and posture?

5. How did Peyton characterize himself?

6. What does the soldier tell Peyton about what the Yanks are doing?

7. Describe the road that Peyton discovers.

8. Describe what Peyton feels immediately after falling through the bridge.

9. How does Part 3 begin?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Denial takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

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 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 644 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample