question about ambrose bierce story "parker anderson, philosopher"?

Question

this is random hoping someone may have read this story too. I have a paper due in 2 hrs and i cannot figure out if gerneral clavering dies at the end! it is very frustrating, i need to know. I think he does but it is not clear. If you know, or can search for i please tell me i cant find it online. Or, u can read the story, its short and pretty good as well

Answer 1

I see what you mean. (BTW, it's "Parker A*d*derson, Philosopher," which must be why you couldn't find it online.) The last words of the man dying at the end sure sounds like Adderson. I *think* that Adderson switched uniforms with someone (my guess is the General) during the confusion, and it's the General who's executed -- under his own orders!

I know you're in a rush, but read this and see what you think:

They fight "blindly in the darkness" -- no candle, a confusion of bodies, and the tent falls on top of them all. The bowie knife was in the captain's throat, but Adderson *threw the captain aside* and "leaped upon the general," who fell with Adderson on top of him. All that *before* the captain joins in the fight. The captain is never mentioned again until he's dead with the bowie knife in his throat.

The 3rd to join the fight (as far as what's written) is the provost-marshall, next is the Private. The sentinel fires a shot which brings the whole camp running, half-asleep, half-undressed, and in almost total darkness. Bugles, drums, commandes being shouted. What an opportunity!

In the dark, wouldn't they recognize a uniform before they recognize a face? Especially when all the "actors" (interesting choice of word) are bloodied -- including their faces.

I keep going over it, and I'm not sure, but it would be the ultimate irony if Adderson had changed clothes with the General and was executed under his own orders.

http://www.online-literature.com/bierce/2023/

ADDITION: Adderson said, "I hope, General, the spectacle will be intelligently arranged, for I shall attend it myself." And -- if my guess is correct -- it turns out that he did. Bierce had a wicked humor, and such a statement would be typical of him. When you get a chance, look through a few entries of his Devil's Dictionary!