Question

How does the author's use of pacing create a sense of tension in the passage? A. by describing the series of visits by Americans to the narrator's office when they are in the country B. by relaying the author's memory of his conversation with his friend about the delay in the accommodation elevator C. by having Elijah K. Higgins make an extremely brief and rushed appearance at the start of the story D. by recounting the narrator's thoughts as he returned to his office after his conversation with Elijah K. Higgins

Answer 1

The author builds tension through pacing by using dialogue to directly convey the narrator's shift from confidence to anxiety, employing vivid details and imagery for an immersive experience, and manipulating narrative structure to create unease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author's use of pacing creates tension in the passage through several literary techniques. The first and perhaps most direct is dialogue, where an exchange between characters can reveal underlying nerves or anxiety, heightening the sense of tension. For instance, when the narrator's move shifts from confidence to anxiety as a result of the captain's questioning, the dialogue places the reader directly into the escalating tension of the moment.

Another method employed is the use of vivid details and imagery, which acts to draw the reader into the scene and create an immersive experience. Twain's pacing involves a gradual build-up of detail, effectively making the reader feel the mounting pressure as more individuals gather on the deck, witnessing the narrator's growing discomfort. Twain's description of the scene intensifies the reader's perception of danger, propelling the plot towards its climax.

Additionally, varying the narrative structure, such as switching tenses or incorporating shifts from internal thoughts to direct speech, can keep readers on their toes and contribute to a sense of unease. These techniques often blur the lines between reality and the narrator's internal state, further complicating the pacing and adding layers of tension to the narrative.

Answer 2

The author's use of pacing through vivid imagery, dialogue, point of view, and exposition creates tension by controlling the narrative flow, engaging the reader's senses and emotions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author's use of pacing creates a sense of tension in a narrative by controlling the speed and rhythm at which the story unfolds. For instance, vivid details and imagery can slow down the narrative, allowing readers to fully visualize and feel the growing nervousness of the narrator, as seen through descriptions of actions or scenery that amplify suspense. Alternatively, dialogue can accelerate the pace and directly reveal the conflict and emotions, thrusting the reader into the heat of the moment and rapidly building tension. Moreover, point of view can play a crucial role, especially when the first-person narrative makes the experience more immediate and personal, and exposition sets the scene for forthcoming conflicts.

Pacing can also be affected by literary techniques such as foreshadowing, which hints at future events and keeps readers anticipating the outcome. The change in pacing, whether through detailed descriptions that slow down the action or brisk dialogue that speeds it up, ensures that readers remain engaged and emotionally invested in the story's outcome.