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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 signal does the captain give to the sergeant?

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

3. What color eyes does the condemned man have?

4. Where are the sentinels standing guard?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does Peyton want to know after the mention of the posted notice?

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

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

8. What questions does the author plant in the reader's mind about why Peyton was selected for the encounter with the Federal scout?

9. Why did Peyton not enlist in the Confederate army?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

Bierce is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, and briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the story's title. What did the author mean by calling the story AN OCCURRENCE AT OWL CREEK BRIDGE? Isn't that just a little but of an understatement? Cite an example to support your answer.

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This section contains 650 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample