ESSAY CEMETERY

THEMES/MOTIFS - QUOTATIONS Death Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him. Apathy in the face of death "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." "His face had not been covered nor his eyes bandaged. He looked a moment at his "unsteadfast footing," then let his gaze wander to the swirling water of the stream racing madly beneath his feet. A piece of dancing driftwood caught his attention and his eyes followed it down the current. How slowly it appeared to move, What a sluggish stream!" He gave the struggle his attention, as an idler might observe the feat of a juggler, without interest in the outcome. What splendid effort!--what magnificent, what superhuman strength! Ah, that was a fine endeavor! Bravo! The cord fell away Fear He awaite...

I A man is standing on a hanging apparatus with a noose around his neck. He is on a railroad bridge in Alabama. Two privates are preparing the apparatus, overseen by a sergeant, and a captain is standing on the bridge as well. Two sentinels stand at either side of the bridge to prevent people from coming on the bridge. A company of infantry headed by a lieutenant stands on one bank of the river, motionless, as part of the execution ceremony. The condemned man seems to be a kind civilian planter. He seems to be relaxed. However, suddenly he hears a sharp metallic percussion. It arouses fear in him. The tolls become spaced farther and farther apart. It is the ticking of his watch. Suddenly he thinks how he might escape- and the sergeant tilts the platform on which he stands. II It is the American Civil War. The condemned, Peyton Farquhar is indeed a plantation owner, and a secessionist. He wants to be a soldier but circumstances prevented him; instead he contributed as much to ...