Question

Read the excerpt below and answer the question.

Jem shuddered. “Like somebody was readin’ my mind. Like somebody could tell what I was gonna do. Can’t anybody tell what I’m gonna do lest they know me, can they, Scout?"
In the excerpt above, the author uses shorter sentences in her description. The effect of this might be to _____.
show Scout's joy at being present
create a sense of innocence
reflect the dialect of Maycomb county
communicate Jem's anxiety

Answer 1

I'm Conflicted but if I were to Answer it would be between
Reflect the dialect of Maycomb County or Communicate Jem's Anxiety

Answer 2

The correct answer and the effect of the author using shorter sentences in that description might be to D. communicate Jem's anxiety.

Further evidence can be extracted from the use of the word "shuddered". This word already implies that Jem shivering or tremblin probably out of fear or anxiety. After reading the rest of the passage with that information in mind, we can reach the conclussion that this passage and the use of short sentences is meant to give indirect characterization of Jem's character as an anxious character. The author gives us this information from the context, actions and speech rather than making direct statements about it.