Final answer:
The provided excerpts from different texts demonstrate how detailed descriptions and unexpected events in a story can create suspense, mystery, or convey the beauty of nature - engaging the reader and influencing their perception of the story.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the effect a particular sentence has on the reader as the story develops. Without additional context, it is not possible to provide an accurate answer to this question. However, if we focus on the provided excerpts and analyze their effects on the reader, we can find various elements that can engage the reader's perception and understanding.
For example, in the passage about Sylvia and the whippoorwills, the detailed description creates a sense of suspense and primes the reader for Sylvia's 'great design'. Similarly, in the excerpt about the crow and the assassins, the unexpected events create a supernatural and mysterious atmosphere that could contribute to the story's tension.
And in the passage where Venters wakes up to the sound of mockingbirds, a serene and captivating mood is established, highlighting the beauty of nature.