Question

read the excerpt from section 3 of \an occurrence at owl creek bridge.\
overhead, as he looked up through this rift in the wood, shone great garden stars looking unfamiliar and grouped in strange constellations. he was sure they were arranged in some order which had a secret and malign significance.
how does the excerpt contribute to the theme of fate?
it suggests that farquhar will always be haunted by his decisions.
it suggests that farquhar is wrestling with forces larger than himself.
it suggests that farquhars problems are insignificant in the context of the world.
it suggests that farquhar will always be hunted by his captors.

Explanation:

The excerpt describes the stars as having a "secret and malign significance," which implies that there are forces at work beyond Farquhar's control. This idea of being at the mercy of larger, unknown forces relates to the theme of fate.

Answer:

It suggests that Farquhar is wrestling with forces larger than himself.