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?
Answer
A
It suggests that Farquhar’s problems are insignificant in the context of the world.
B
It suggests that Farquhar is wrestling with forces larger than himself.
C
It suggests that Farquhar will always be haunted by his decisions.
D
It suggests that Farquhar will always be hunted by his captors.
Explanation
The stars seem to form an order with a “secret and malign significance,” so Farquhar interprets the world around him as governed by hidden, threatening forces. This supports the theme of fate by suggesting he is caught up in forces larger than himself, rather than fully controlling what happens to him. The excerpt does not focus on being hunted or haunted by a past decision.
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