Question

read the excerpt from \an occurrence at owl creek bridge.\
excepting the group of four at the center of the bridge, not a man moved. the company faced the bridge, staring stonily, motionless. the sentinels, facing the banks of the stream, might have been statues to adorn the bridge. the captain stood with folded arms, silent, observing the work of his subordinates, but making no sign. death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him. in the code of military etiquette silence and fixity are forms of deference.
which is the most reasonable prediction?

• the four men will remain standing on the bridge
• the crowd is waiting for a death to take place
• the captain will help his subordinates with their work
• the sentinels will not be able to remain motionless

Explanation:

The excerpt mentions "Death is a dignitary... to be received with formal manifestations of respect" and the military etiquette of silence and fixity as deference. The description of the company (crowd) being still, the captain observing, and the reference to death implies they are waiting for a death event. The other options: the four men's fate isn't clear to stay (A); the captain is observing, not helping (C); sentinels are compared to statues, so likely stay motionless (D).

Answer:

B. The crowd is waiting for a death to take place