Bierce ends the book in a way that allows us to use our imaginations. I never could pinpoint exactly what I thought happened. What did you guys think happened?
Yes, I understand that he dies but a lot of stuff goes unanswered. What was his motive to risk losing his family? If he was so motivated to get home to his family in the hallucination why didn't that motivation stop him from risking his life?
When he was feeling brave, it could've blinded him to the possibility of a negative outcome for his actions, and therefore even though he knew the punishment was death, he was feeling patriotic and brave and felt invincible.
This quote would back up what you are saying Forrest. "No service was too humble for him to perform in the aid of the South, no adventure to perilous for him to undertake if consistent with the character of a civilian who was at heart a soldier, and who in good faith and without too much qualification assented to at least a part of the frankly villainous dictum that all is fair in love and war."
Josh, you bring up a good point. The scout told Farquhar the outcome of being caught trying to sabotage the bridge, so what really was his motivation? Was he so arrogant he didn't think he would be caught? Was he brave & patriotic like Forrest is wondering? Is he only seeking glory for himself? All of the above? Hmmmmm......
I just think he was thirsty for excitement and adventure and didn't think about all the risks his actions might include. "Circumstances of an imperious nature, which it is unnecessary to relate here, had prevented him from taking service with that gallant army which had fought the disastrous campaigns ending with the fall of Corinth, and he chafed under the inglorious restraint, longing for the release of his energies, the larger life of the soldier, the opportunity for distinction." It says here that he was longing for the release of his energies and wished he could have been a soldier. So he probably thought this action was the closest he could get to being a soldier and jumped on the chance.
I agree with you Kayla. Farquhar was just thinking about what he wanted to do. He never really thought about the consequences. He may have thought about the consequences for a little bit when he asked "Is there no force on this side of the creek?" but then didn't think about it again.
Also, I noticed that you don't see much regret for the action he took. He isn't thrilled about being caught, but I don't think he regretted his decision.
What do you mean?
ReplyDeleteThe book ends with Peyton's neck breaking and he dies. Are you wondering what happens afterwards to his family, the soldiers etc?
ReplyDeleteYes, I understand that he dies but a lot of stuff goes unanswered. What was his motive to risk losing his family? If he was so motivated to get home to his family in the hallucination why didn't that motivation stop him from risking his life?
DeleteWhen he was feeling brave, it could've blinded him to the possibility of a negative outcome for his actions, and therefore even though he knew the punishment was death, he was feeling patriotic and brave and felt invincible.
DeleteThis quote would back up what you are saying Forrest. "No service was too humble for him to perform in the aid of the South, no adventure to perilous for him to undertake if consistent with the character of a civilian who was at heart a soldier, and who in good faith and without too much qualification assented to at least a part of the frankly villainous dictum that all is fair in love and war."
DeleteDito. He was undoubtedly discontent with his boring life and wanted adventure.
DeleteJosh, you bring up a good point. The scout told Farquhar the outcome of being caught trying to sabotage the bridge, so what really was his motivation? Was he so arrogant he didn't think he would be caught? Was he brave & patriotic like Forrest is wondering? Is he only seeking glory for himself? All of the above? Hmmmmm......
ReplyDeleteI just think he was thirsty for excitement and adventure and didn't think about all the risks his actions might include.
ReplyDelete"Circumstances of an imperious nature, which it is unnecessary to relate here, had prevented him from taking service with that gallant army which had fought the disastrous campaigns ending with the fall of Corinth, and he chafed under the inglorious restraint, longing for the release of his energies, the larger life of the soldier, the opportunity for distinction."
It says here that he was longing for the release of his energies and wished he could have been a soldier. So he probably thought this action was the closest he could get to being a soldier and jumped on the chance.
I agree with you Kayla. Farquhar was just thinking about what he wanted to do. He never really thought about the consequences. He may have thought about the consequences for a little bit when he asked "Is there no force on this side of the creek?" but then didn't think about it again.
DeleteAlso, I noticed that you don't see much regret for the action he took. He isn't thrilled about being caught, but I don't think he regretted his decision.
ReplyDeleteI believe he died, dangling by a rope,under Owl Creek Bridge. ;)
ReplyDeleteI know that ha ha but I was referring to the people around him.
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