In what ways are the condemned man�s perceptions of time and motion distorted as he is waiting to be hanged? Why are his distorted perceptions important? The condemned man's perceptions of time and motion are distorted as he is waiting to be hanged because he is dreaming of him getting away, sleep walking, and seeing his wife in a very short amount of time. He dreams all of this while he is hanging on the bridge. The clock and the river went slow while they were really quick at the same time. They are important because it sets us up for what's to happen.
What seems to be the narrator�s attitude toward Farquhar in Part II? What is the narrator�s attitude toward war? The narrator likes Farquhar because he claims he is very gentlemanly and is a very respected man. The narrator likes war because it's neccessary.
Considering the outcome of the story, what is ironic or surprising about Farquhar�s longing for the �larger life of a soldier?� What is ironic about the fact that Farquhar agrees with the saying that �all is fair in love and war?� This is ironic or surprising because he dies on his first mission. He was tricked on his first mission.
What details in Part III suggests that Farquhar�s journey occurs in his mind? How is the journey connected with the plan of escape that occurs to him moments before he is hanged? The details in Part III that suggest that Farquhar's journey in his mind are: The parts where Farquhar claims that river is going fast and slow at the same time; the parts where he is able to avoid all the bullets. He imagines his escape in a matter of seconds because he wants it to happen.
Explain whether you think the portrayal of Farquhar�s final thoughts and sensations is realistic. They are realistic because he describes the sounds he hears and the things he feels.
Point of view refers to the vantage point from which the story is told. Why is the limited third-person point of view appropriate for this story? How might the story be different if Bierce had used an omniscient third-person narrator? Because you are able to get inside his head before he becomes delusional. Third-Person omniscent wouldn't work because you wouldn't be able to know when he is dreaming everything.
How does Bierce�s use of flashback contribute to the effectiveness of the story? It creates suspense; the way that the clock slows down, helps create suspense because everything is happening in a matter of seconds and the reader wants to know what is going to happen next faster.