At the end of this passage, why is everyone so motionless and quiet?
1)They are unsure of what is going to happen next.
2)They are waiting for instruction from their lieutenant.
3)They are paying reverence to one of their lost soldiers.
4)They are about to watch someone die, so they are showing respect.

Passage below plz help also brainiest

Beyond one of the sentinels nobody was in sight; the railroad ran straight away into a forest for a hundred yards, then, curving, was lost to view. Doubtless there was an outpost farther along. The other bank of the stream was open ground -- a gentle slope topped with a stockade of vertical tree trunks, loopholed for rifles, with a single embrasure through which protruded the muzzle of a brass cannon commanding the bridge. Midway up the slope between the bridge and fort were the spectators -- a single company of infantry in line, at "parade rest," the butts of their rifles on the ground, the barrels inclining slightly backward against the right shoulder, the hands crossed upon the stock. A lieutenant stood at the right of the line, the point of his sword upon the ground, his left hand resting upon his right. Excepting the group of four at the center of the bridge, not a man moved. The company faced the bridge, staring stonily, motionless. The sentinels, facing the banks of the stream, might have been statues to adorn the bridge. The captain stood with folded arms, silent, observing the work of his subordinates, but making no sign. 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. In the code of military etiquette silence and fixity are forms of deference.

Ambrose Bierce's "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" revolves around the fateful hanging of Peyton Farquhar, found guilty of trying to sabotage the Union army's plans. This story delves into the line between what is real and what is imaginary.

The given passage/ excerpt is from the second paragraph of the story where the narrator gives a description of what the scene looks like.

The hanging of Farquhar, or the events leading up to that, is described in detail by the narrator in this passage.

Here, he describes how the soldiers are awaiting instructions from their leader, how everything seems to be done quietly and solemnly.

The narrator also personifies death as a "dignitary [who] is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him."

Moreover, the statement "In the code of military etiquette silence and fixity are forms of deference" seems to forebode what is to take place soon.

Bierce's short story delves into the issue of what reality and imaginary is, and how that can be an important element of narration or storytelling. And though that, he also uses it perfectly to show the dilemma of Farquhar at the moment of his death. The given passage tells the preparation and behavior of the soldiers prior to his hanging. Thus, the correct answer is option 2.

Learn more about "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" here:

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