The correct response to the question is:
The author’s description of Farquhar’s escape dream as though it were real allows the story’s ending to be a surprise.
This choice highlights how the narrative blurs the lines between reality and illusion, leading the reader to believe that Farquhar has successfully escaped, which makes the abrupt revelation of his death shocking. The vivid portrayal of his longing for home and his wife's presence adds to the emotional weight of the story and the impact of the unexpected ending.