The Ticking Watch
Symbol Analysis. … The ticking watch sets the reader up for this shift in the protagonist’s senses, as both suggest a certain change in perception in the moments before death. The ticking watch, in turn, makes it easier for Bierce to segue into the surreal near-dream of Farquhar’s escape and flight.
Why does the ticking of Peyton’s watch bother him so much?
The ticking of the watch
illustrates the passing of time and represents Peyton’s impending death
. Peyton’s acute sense of hearing and preoccupation with the sound of his watch reveal his anxiety and fear. Peyton is gradually running out of time, which is why the ticking of his watch sounds so loud to him.
What is the significance of the man’s perception of his ticking watch?
What is the significance of the man’s perception of his ticking watch? The significance of this is
to show that time is slowing down and and allowing him to process what is about to happen
.
Why does Farquhar hear his watch?
In “Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”, why does Farquhar hear his watch ticking as he dies?
He hopes his watch will still start to work. He wants to know his time of death. His senses are strong before his death.
What is the significance of Peyton’s watch and what role does it play in the events of the story?
Second,
the watch symbolizes time
. Time is running out for Farquhar–his days, even his seconds, are numbered. Every second becomes precious with death in view. The most important role that this descriptive passage plays, however, is in setting up the escape and surprise ending in section III.
What is the main idea of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge?
The main themes in “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” are
the brutality of war, disillusionment, death, and psychological escape
. Brutality of War: Farquhar learns that there is no glory or romance in war; it is a brutal exercise in which human lives have no value and death becomes merely an “occurrence.”
Why was Farquhar hanged?
Peyton Farquhar dies beneath the Owl Creek Bridge. He was captured and hanged
for trying to sabotage and destroy the bridge so that that the Union army could not use it
.
Which is the most reasonable plot prediction?
- Altercation means a quarrel or a disagreement in public.
- The story is set during the time of the American Civil war.
What does the narrator of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge say might surprise someone who sees that Peyton Farquhar is about to be hanged?
Why is the narrator surprised to find Peyton Farquhar about to be hanged?
Peyton Farquhar looks wealthy and he had a fit-well coat and looks like a planter.
What happens as Peyton Farquhar reaches for his wife?
Farquhar reaches
the gate of his property and sees his wife moving towards him
. Just as he is about to reach her, he feels a horrible blow against the back of his neck and everything goes dark. Farquhar is dead.
What side of the war does Farquhar fight for?
Peyton Farquhar fights for
the Confederate States of America (the South)
.
Who comes to Farquhar?
Peyton Farquhar was a planter and Southern sympathizer who, although he was unfit for military duty, longed to do his part for the Confederacy. He was visited one day by
“a grey-clad soldier
” who asked for water and revealed to Farquhar that the Yankees had reached Owl Creek Bridge and…
What motivates Peyton Farquhar to go to Owl Creek Bridge?
Farquhar is motivated by
the desire to defend his family and prove his worth to the Confederate cause
.
How does Peyton Farquhar serve the Southern cause?
Farquhar is certainly dedicated to the southern cause. He owns slaves and is intent on southern victory so he can maintain his livelihood and lifestyle. He doesn’t, however,
choose to serve the cause by becoming a Confederate soldier
.
What do Farquhar and his wife learn from the visitor what do you learn about the visitor after he leaves?
What do Farquhar and his wife learn from the visitor and what does the audience learn about the visitor after he leaves? …
It creates questions in the audience’s mind and builds suspense about who he is and what it is that he did that was so bad to deserve death.
What is the chronological order of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge?
“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” is not structured in a traditional manner with the events occurring in chronological order. The story is divided into three parts,
with Part II being a flashback
; the events in Part II occurred before those in Parts I and III.
