Final answer:
The provided excerpts use dark and stormy settings as a literary device to explore complex emotions and create dramatic tension within the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpts provided depict scenes with vivid imagery and strong emotional undercurrents, common elements found in literature. The descriptions of dark, stormy settings and the suspenseful experiences of the characters are characteristic of certain genres, such as gothic fiction or historical narratives. These passages often serve as a backdrop for exploring complex human emotions, psychological states, and societal issues. From the intense fear of a child in a war-torn environment to the eerie calm before a storm, the use of such settings increases the dramatic tension within the story, captivating readers and enhancing the thematic depth of the narrative.