Question

When Peyton Farquhar suggests sabotage, the Federal scout suggests that the bridge can be burned down. What does this say about the scout's character?

1) He is an honest and straightforward man.
2) He is an arsonist at heart.
3) He is not above setting up Farquhar.
4) He dislikes his commandant.

Answer 1

The Federal scout's suggestion reveals he is deceptive and not above setting up Peyton Farquhar, ultimately leading to Farquhar's execution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Federal scout's suggestion that the bridge at Owl Creek could be burned down, given the presence of dry driftwood, reveals that he is not above setting up Farquhar. He provides this information after Peyton Farquhar, a civilian devoted to the Southern cause, shows interest in possible sabotage. This act of supplying strategic information is not something an honest scout would typically engage in. Instead, it indicates a level of deception, suggesting the scout was aware of Farquhar's intentions and could be using them to trap him. Moreover, the scout's actions lead to Farquhar's eventual execution, underscoring the duplicitous nature of the character.