Read the excerpt from "Lather and Nothing Else" A little more lather here under the chin, on the Adam's apple, right near the great vein. How hot it is! Torres must be sweating just as I am. But he is not afraid. He is a tranquil man, who is not even giving thought to what he will do to his prisoners this evening. I, on the other hand, polishing his skin with this razor but avoiding the drawing of blood, careful with every stroke-I cannot keep my thoughts in order. How does the author best create suspense in this excerpt? The captain is described as tranquil and unafraid, which shows that he is violent. Descriptive shaving details are included to create tension in the barbershop. Prisoners and blood are mentioned, which hints at the upcoming dangerous scene ahead. Short sentences and confused thoughts speed the pace toward the barber's important decision.

Question

Barbara Cherry

English

8 January, 17:24

Read the excerpt from "Lather and Nothing Else" A little more lather here under the chin, on the Adam's apple, right near the great vein. How hot it is! Torres must be sweating just as I am. But he is not afraid. He is a tranquil man, who is not even giving thought to what he will do to his prisoners this evening. I, on the other hand, polishing his skin with this razor but avoiding the drawing of blood, careful with every stroke-I cannot keep my thoughts in order. How does the author best create suspense in this excerpt? The captain is described as tranquil and unafraid, which shows that he is violent. Descriptive shaving details are included to create tension in the barbershop. Prisoners and blood are mentioned, which hints at the upcoming dangerous scene ahead. Short sentences and confused thoughts speed the pace toward the barber's important decision.

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Answers (1)

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Mary Jane · Answer 1

I believe that the correct answer is the last statement - short sentences and confused thoughts speed the pace toward the barber’s important decision.

Suspense is the technique authors use to build tension, anxiety, fear or excitement. This is usually achieved with use of short sentences whose rhythm builds tension. To achieve suspense, authors also use ellipsis, simile, metaphors and powerful verbs (such as whispered, crept).