An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

by Ambrose Bierce

The man who was engaged in being hanged was apparently about thirty-five years of age. He was a civilian, if one might judge from his habit, which was that of a planter. His features were good — a straight nose, firm mouth, broad forehead, from which his long, dark hair was combed straight back, falling behind his ears to the collar of his well fitting frock coat. He wore a moustache and pointed beard, but no whiskers; his eyes were large and dark gray, and had a kindly expression which one would hardly have expected in one whose neck was in the hemp. Evidently this was no vulgar assassin. The liberal military code makes provision for hanging many kinds of persons, and gentlemen are not excluded.

Which of the following phrases best describes the man who is supposed to be hanged?

strange and unique

calm and peaceful

normal and harmless

dangerous and angry

1 answer

The phrase that best describes the man who is supposed to be hanged is normal and harmless. The description of his features and expression suggests that he is not a typical criminal but rather an ordinary civilian with a kind demeanor.