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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What color eyes does the condemned man have?

2. The method of execution in the story is __________________.

3. What does the condemned man NOT wear?

4. What does the man think of when he closes his eyes?

5. During what war does the story take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the unwritten rule guiding the soldiers in their demeanor at the execution?

2. What could account for Peyton's experiences in Part 3?

3. What is known about Peyton's allegiance to the Confederate cause?

4. What does Peyton want to know after the mention of the posted notice?

5. What happens to startle Peyton out of his reverie of the beauty of the nature he sees?

6. What kind of tension and feeling does the author leave the reader with at the end of Part 2?

7. How does the soldier take his leave from the Farquhar home?

8. How does Peyton reveal that he is thinking of violating the posted notice in order to help the Southern cause?

9. Describe what Peyton feels immediately after falling through the bridge.

10. What is the setting for the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

In the surprise twist ending of Part 2, the soldier in gray is identified to the reader as a Federal scout. Write a brief essay on how and why Peyton was chosen as a target for the Federal army. Be sure to include your opinion on whether this was a random event or whether Peyton had been singled out for specific reasons.

Essay Topic 3

What is your opinion of Peyton Farquhar? Do you think he was a willful man bent on his own destruction for his own purposes? Or is he someone to be pitied for his misguided sense of loyalty and duty? Or is he someone else entirely? State your position on Peyton and support your answer with rationale.

(see the answer keys)

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