This question is missing the options. I have found the complete question online. Since the passage is the same, I will omit it:
Based on the excerpt, which is the most reasonable plot prediction?
a. Farquhar will get caught by Northern forces.
b. Farquhar will attempt to tamper with the bridge.
c. Farquhar will discover the truth about the soldiers he’s speaking with.
d. Farquhar will be executed for his crimes against the North.
Answer:
The most reasonable plot prediction is:
b. Farquhar will attempt to tamper with the bridge.
Explanation:
Even without knowing the rest of the story, we could very well predict that Farquhar will try to tamper with the bridge. He asks questions and then comes up with a plan:
"Suppose a man—a civilian and student of hanging—should elude the picket post and perhaps get the better of the sentinel," said Farquhar, smiling, "what could he accomplish?"
He can already see it: every step that must be taken in order to get to the bridge and tamper with it. His smile could be of confidence, of courage. That is the logical prediction we can envision based on the excerpt.
"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce. Peyton Farquhar, the main character, ends up hanged after trying to burn a bridge that would serve as passageway for Union troops. Farquhar is a Confederacy supporter.
