Question

How is Bierce’s theme “people cannot escape reality through romantic fantasy” developed throughout the story? Consider the predictions you made, the story structure, and the narration in your response.

Answer 1

the answer posted is correct

Answer 2

- False predictions develop the romantic escape story.
- A surprise ending returns readers to reality.
- Motifs such as the noose and time support the theme.
- The structure follows a realistic hanging, a false romantic escape, and a realistic death.
- Foreshadowing shows that the reality of death is part of the romantic story.