Final answer:
The author creates suspense by suggesting the narrator's unfamiliarity with the surroundings and by using the interplay of thoughts, dreams, and memories. The setting of a dark, large house at night and the descriptive elements like moonlight and shadows also contribute to the suspense.
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, authors create suspense through various literary devices and storytelling techniques. In the passage provided, the author generates suspense primarily by suggesting the unfamiliarity of the narrator with his surroundings, which can unsettle the reader and create a sense of anticipation. Additionally, the interplay of thoughts, dreams, and memories provides a psychological dimension to the suspense, as it blurs the line between reality and imagination, making the reader question what is truly happening. As for the setting, placing the scene in a large, dark house late at night enhances the fear factor, using the darkness and silence to amp up tension.
Furthermore, the use of descriptive elements such as moonlight, shadow, movement, and form can add to the eerie atmosphere. Descriptions of natural sounds - like the whispering wind or an owl's hoot - also contribute to the suspense by invoking the senses and setting a haunting scene. All these factors combined help to build a compelling story that grips the reader's attention, making them eager to discover what happens next.