Question

Read the opening of section 2 from "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge."

Peyton Farquhar was a well-to-do planter, of an old and highly respected Alabama family. Being a slave owner and like other slave owners a politician he was naturally an original secessionist and ardently devoted to the Southern cause. Circumstances of an imperious nature, which it is unnecessary to relate here, had prevented him from taking service with the gallant army that had fought the disastrous campaigns ending with the fall of Corinth, and he chafed under the inglorious restraint, longing for the release of his energies, the larger life of the soldier, the opportunity for distinction.

Which best describes the effect of this narration?
A: It introduces the reader to the man being executed, Farquhar.
B: It describes why Farquhar is being punished.
C: It helps the reader understand Farquhar’s motivation for escaping.
D: It tricks the reader into thinking that Farquhar survives.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A.

The opening of section 2 from "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge introduces the character of Peyton Farquhar.

It explains the reader that Farquhar was a planter and politician from a respected Alabama family. He was a slave owner, a secessionist and a friend to the Southern cause. The excerpt also explains that Farquhar did not do the military service nor did he fight the campaigns that endend with the fall of Corinth.

Answer 2

This passage of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" A. introduces the reader to the man being executed, Farquhar. Even more, it introduces Farquhar, but it doesn't say he is going to be executed or he's trying to escape or anything, it just introduces him.