The author’s choice to conclude with the stark revelation of Peyton Farquhar's death juxtaposes the vivid imagery of his hopeful, serene return home with the harsh reality of his execution, creating a profound sense of irony and tragedy. This sudden shift from the dreamlike escape to the grim truth amplifies the emotional impact, leaving the reader to reflect on the fragility of life and the harshness of fate.
His neck was in pain and lifting his hand to it found it horribly swollen. He knew that it had a circle of black where the rope had bruised it. His eyes felt congested; he could no longer close them. His tongue was swollen with thirst; he relieved its fever by thrusting it forward from between his teeth into the cold air. How softly the turf had carpeted the untraveled avenue—he could no longer feel the roadway beneath his feet! Doubtless, despite his suffering, he had fallen asleep while walking, for now he sees another scene—perhaps he has merely recovered from a delirium. He stands at the gate of his own home. All is as he left it, and all bright and beautiful in the morning sunshine. He must have traveled the entire night. As he pushes open the gate and passes up the wide white walk, he sees a flutter of female garments; his wife, looking fresh and cool and sweet, steps down from the veranda to meet him. At the bottom of the steps she stands waiting, with a smile of ineffable joy, an attitude of matchless grace and dignity. Ah, how beautiful she is! He springs forwards with extended arms. As he is about to clasp her he feels a stunning blow upon the back of the neck; a blinding white light blazes all about him with a sound like the shock of a cannon—then all is darkness and silence! Peyton Farquhar was dead; his body, with a broken neck, swung gently from side to side beneath the timbers of the Owl Creek bridge. Question Use the passage to answer the question. In 1–2 sentences, analyze how the author’s choice of an ending contributes to its aesthetic impact.
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The author’s choice to end with the shocking revelation of Peyton Farquhar’s death creates a startling contrast between his vivid, longing fantasies and the stark reality of his fate. This ending not only heightens the emotional tension but also evokes a sense of futility and loss, emphasizing the themes of illusion versus reality and the abruptness of death.
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