Question

at which point in the story does the reader learn that farquhar has died?

the end of part i
the end of part ii
the first sentence of part iii
the last sentence of part iii

Explanation:

⚡ Using what you learned: inferential comprehension and textual evidence

Step 1: Identify the story structure

The question refers to Ambrose Bierce's famous short story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge", which is divided into three parts:

• Part I: Introduces Peyton Farquhar standing on a railroad bridge, preparing to be hanged by Union soldiers.
• Part II: Provides background information on Farquhar and how he was set up by a Union scout.
• Part III: Describes his escape, his journey home, and his reunion with his wife.

Step 2: Locate the revelation of Farquhar's death

Throughout Part III, the reader is led to believe that Farquhar has successfully escaped hanging, survived being shot at, and made his way back home. However, this entire sequence is revealed to be a hallucination occurring in the seconds before his death.

The very last sentence of Part III reveals the reality:

"Peyton Farquhar was dead; his body, with a broken neck, swung gently from side to side beneath the timbers of the Owl Creek bridge."

Therefore, the reader learns that Farquhar has died at the last sentence of Part III.

Answer:

the last sentence of Part III