An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Question

by Ambrose Bierce

Peyton Farquhar was a well to do planter, of an old and highly respected Alabama family. Being a slave owner and like other slave owners a politician, he was naturally an original secessionist and ardently devoted to the Southern cause. Circumstances of an imperious nature, which it is unnecessary to relate here, had prevented him from taking service with that gallant army which had fought the disastrous campaigns ending with the fall of Corinth, and he chafed under the inglorious restraint, longing for the release of his energies, the larger life of the soldier, the opportunity for distinction. That opportunity, he felt, would come, as it comes to all in wartime. Meanwhile he did what he could. No service was too humble for him to perform in the aid of the South, no adventure too perilous for him to undertake if consistent with the character of a civilian who was at heart a soldier, and who in good faith and without too much qualification assented to at least a part of the frankly villainous dictum that all is fair in love and war.

"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce

Question
Use the passage from “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” to answer the question.

Which phrase describes a theme suggested by the details in the passage?

(1 point)
Responses

loss of innocence
loss of innocence

revenge and justice
revenge and justice

honor and duty
honor and duty

coming of age

Answer 1

The phrase that best describes a theme suggested by the details in the passage is honor and duty. The passage discusses Peyton Farquhar's longing to serve the Southern cause and his dedication to performing any service for the war effort, which reflects themes of honor and duty to one's beliefs and country.