Write a well-constructed paragraph in which you identify and explain 3 ways the story develops suspense for the reader.

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literaturenerd | High School Teacher | (Level 2) Educator Emeritus

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Many authors provide specific clues and mood enhancers to help a reader to feel the way the author wishes the reader to feel. This is especially important in any text which calls upon specific emotions--like fear.

Tellez, in the short story "Just Lather, That's All," uses very specific words to highlight the fear felt by the speaker. One can almost see the speaker shaking as he describes the moment the man walks in:

When I recognized him I started to tremble.

By stating this, the speaker lets readers know that something has happened in the past, notated by the recognition and the shaking, and feels as if he currently has something to fear.

Another example of the building of suspense happens when "the man" states


Here, the barber's fears are solidified. He knows the man is one capable of "murder" (depending upon which side one is on) and that he seems to lack any concern for life.

One last example of suspense is seen when the barber is remembering the first time he saw "the man," Captain Torres.


This is where the reader learns both who the man is and what he is capable of. The image of dead rebels frightened the barber so much that he could not look at the face of the man who ordered the hangings.

At about the end of the text, the barber admits to readers that he is a rebel. This allows readers to understand his fear and wonder what is to come of the barber's life and fate.

This creates the ultimate suspense.




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