Question

Why does the author describe how Peyton Farquhar reacts to the sound of his watch?

1) to show that Farquhar's sense perceptions had become very distorted
2) to illustrate the cruelty of the Union soldiers
3) to explain why Farquhar had come to the bridge
4) to draw a parallel between Farquhar and his executioners

Answer 1

The description of Peyton Farquhar's reaction to his watch's ticking in 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' illustrates the distorted perception of time and heightens the narrative's suspense. Hence answer is 1) to show that Farquhar's sense perceptions had become very distorted.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author describes how Peyton Farquhar reacts to the sound of his watch to show that Farquhar's sense perceptions had become very distorted. This distortion of time reflects Farquhar's intense psychological state and vividly illustrates the distorted reality he experiences during his hanging. The description of the ticking watch, which seems to Farquhar like the ringing of an anvil, heightens the suspense and underscores the subjectivity of time when one is in a life-threatening situation.

Additionally, the measuring and passing of time play a recurring role in 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,' emphasizing the significance of the countdown to Farquhar's execution and his perception of time just before death. This representation furthers the surreal and disjointed narrative, which ultimately reveals the internal struggle of a man facing his final moments.