Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Mention hints given along the narration that prove that Farquhar's escape is an illusionAt what part of the story does the illusion begin?

As Peyton Farquhar is getting executed, by hanging, as the noose is put around his neck he begins to dream about the possibility of escape.  There are several clues in the narration that give the reader an idea that the escape is a fantasy.  Once he drops into the water, he magically escapes the bullets that are fired at him.  All the soldiers are shooting at him, and he does not get hit.  He manages to swim a great distance with superhuman strength, he doesn't tire.


Once he reaches land, he runs and runs tirelessly trying to get home.  He is chased and shot at, he does get shot, but is not seriously wounded, it is a miracle.


The biggest clue that he is dreaming is the fact that when he finally reaches his wife, he goes to wrap his arms around her, he does not get to feel her embrace, he is jolted back to the reality of the situation.  He is dead, dangling from Owl Creek Bridge.   

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