A man stood in the middle of a bridge with his hands bound behind his back and a rope around his neck. Federal army soldiers surrounded the bridge in a formal stance holding their rifles. The man was about to be hung.
100
What is the main character's name?
Peyton Farquhar
100
What miraculously happened in Farquhar's favor?
When he was dropped from the bridge, his noose broke.
100
What does Farquhar's watch symbolize?
The slowness of the watch's ticking represents how slowly time is going while he is waiting to die.
100
What was the original basis of American literature?
It was an account of lives in the colonies and a way to communicate the ways of colonization to others.
200
"Death is a dignitary," the military etiquette for death is what?
Formal manifestations of respect; silence and fixity
200
What does he do for a living?
Farquhar is a planter and and a politician.
200
What happened to Farquhar immediately after he resurfaced.
His physical senses were heightened, keen and alert. He could feel individual ripples, hear individual sounds, see individual trees in the forest, as well as the veins in leaves and prismatic colors in dewdrops.
200
Does Mrs. Farquhar represent the traditional southern wife?
Yes, because she is kind and is more than happy to wait on the visiting soldier.
200
What was American lit similar to?
Early American literature was very similar to British literature.
300
Describe the man awaiting death.
He is about 35 years old, he is. He had a straight nose, firm mouth,gray eyes, a kindly expression, and broad forehead. He also had long, dark hair combed straight back and a pointed mustache.
300
Where is his family from and how are they viewed?
Peyton is from an old and highly respected Alabama family.
300
What do all famous marksmen have and why does this stand out to Fraquhar?
Famous marksmen all have grey eyes. Farquhar is surprised that a marksman with grey eyes missed the shot at him.
300
Who is the soldier Farquhar speaks to about the Civil War?
The soldier he spoke to was a Federal soldier.
300
What did these accounts stress?
They stressed the reasons why they decided to split from Britain.
400
What did the condemned man view the stream as?
He saw the stream as his escape route to freedom.
400
What dis Farquhar want to do in his life, that he was denied the opportunity to do?
Farquhar wanted to serve in the arm to benefit the Southern cause.
400
During his journey through the forest, what does Farquhar dream about?
He dreams of returning home to his wife.
400
Why is Farquhar hung?
He is a civilian who interfered with "the railroad, it's bridges, tunnels or trains" which are under control of the Yanks.
400
While fiction was not popular until much later, what was popular that emphasized personal views on religion and family?
While fiction and drama was not popular, poetry was.
500
What were his last thoughts before the Sargent stepped off the plank?
His thoughts were with his wife and kids as well as thinking of a way to escape death.
500
What does the soldier ask for when he arrives at the Farquhar house?
The soldier asks Peyton's wife for a drink of water.
500
What is the reality of Farquhar's escape?
It did not happen; Farquhar is dead.
500
What is the theme of this story?
This story's theme is that you should keep dreaming no matter how hopeless a situation may seem.
500
Most public works served what purpose?
They were used to communicate ideas on how they ought to be governed.