Final answer:
The author creates tension in the passage through detailed and vivid descriptions of dangerous situations, effective dialogue that shifts the narrator's mood, and engaging language that enhances the narrative and supports the conflict and theme.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author of the passage creates tension by describing the dangerous situation the characters are facing, thus bringing the reader's attention to the likelihood of impending disaster. This effective method of building tension involves detailed and vivid descriptions that cause readers to feel the narrator's anxiety as the perils multiply, making for a suspenseful read. Another technique used by the author is dialogue, which also advances the plot and increases tension by showing the narrator's shift from confidence to anxiety, especially when the captain's questions contribute to the narrator's unease.
In Mark Twain's memoir, we see how the use of vivid details and imagery plays a significant role in building tension. From the whispers of the messengers to the sight of more people appearing on the deck, these details heighten the atmosphere and contribute to the tension that supports the conflict in the anecdote.
Lastly, engaging language enhances the narrative, employing a vivid portrayal of events, sentence structure, and diction to engage the reader thoroughly. By creating an atmosphere where the conflicts and themes are central, Twain enthralls his readers and effectively conveys his message about the importance of relying on one's knowledge and training.