The man who was engaged in being hanged was apparently about thirty-five years of age. He was a civilian, if one might judge from his habit, which was that of a planter. His features were good—a straight nose, firm mouth, broad forehead, from which his long, dark hair was combed straight back, falling behind his ears to the collar of his well-fitting frock-coat. He wore a mustache and pointed beard, but no whiskers; his eyes were large and dark gray, and had a kindly expression which one would hardly have expected in one whose neck was in the hemp. Evidently this was no vulgar assassin. The liberal military code makes provision for hanging many kinds of persons, and gentlemen are not excluded.
Chapter 1
In this passage, Peyton Fahrquhar is described in a pleasant light. He appears to be kind, strong, wealthy, and a person who the South would consider a gentleman for the time. Peyton is married with kids, and he owns a plantation on Southern soil which appears to be quite successful, as it is described luxuriously. However, despite these factors, Fahrquhar is being hung. Do you guys think this is a fair punishment?
I think the last part of this passage is very
interesting. It says that no matter the social status of a person, whether
wealthy or poor, they will each suffer the same consequence. Throughout many
times in history, we see people with larger amounts of money in the bank use
their wealth to bribe law enforcement or buy their way out of a punishment.
However, in this story, Bierce writes a statement that contradicts the common
actions of that stereotype. In this scenario, that statement seems true,
Fahrquar is a respectable gentleman among his community and he is sentenced to
death. What do you guys think? Do you think this statement is true today?
Nice questions, Amber. The Federal Scout sets a trap for Farquhar. Do wonder why Farquhar took the "bate?"
ReplyDeleteFor sure! I would think he would be sensible enough to realize the danger, especially considering his fortune. However, I suppose not based upon his actions.
DeleteWhile the punishment may not be considered fair from our perspective, it is only because we understand and agree with what he is fighting for. These people truly believed that keeping slavery alive was a worthy cause. Just as we know from God that it is evil and apart of our sin nature. Peyton tried to sabotage their plans, even if he was set up. Would we not do the same to them if the tables were turned?
ReplyDeleteTrue! whether he may or may not have been selfish putting himself in danger, he did stand up for and fight for what he believed in, and even though the cause was not a worthy one, his courage and bravery is arguably very admirable!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lauren, but Farquhar was so raped up in what the scout was saying that he didn't even think about what the outcome would be on him and his family, so that's where he went all wrong.
ReplyDeleteWhats interesting to me is that Peyton is the bad guy, but in the story, it's designed for us to sympathize with him. So the punishment seems harsh to me especially since he seems like such a likeable guy, however the North side said anyone caught messing with the bridge will be put to death and that's what happened. In the end, seems fair to me.
ReplyDeleteI agree! It was strange reading a story with the mindset of "the devil's advocate". It was interesting to see how one person can paint a terrible person in a very positive light.
DeleteYeah that's so true! I do sympathize with him even though so many of his actions are wrong and sinful. So I do suppose the punishment was coming to him in a way, although I think I prefer that he should have been imprisoned for his actions instead of put to death.
ReplyDeleteyes I agree, the hanging was harsh and he should have seen it coming. But he probably wouldn't of done it if the federal scout had not talk to him about it.
ReplyDeleteI think the punishment was fair, but cruel. He knew that if he tampered with the bridge, he would be put to death. But obviously he believed in his cause so much that he was willing to risk his life for it.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the second question you asked, I do believe that everyone should receive the same punishment whether rich or poor. Sadly, that doesn't always happen in today's world.
ReplyDelete