Read the excerpt from Poe’s "The Masque of the Red Death."But in the western or black chamber the effect of the fire-light that streamed upon the dark hangings through the blood-tinted panes, was ghastly in the extreme, and produced so wild a look upon the countenances of those who entered, that there were few of the company bold enough to set foot within its precincts at all.What technique does Poe use to build suspense in the excerpt?
Answer
A
The pace of the story quickens.
B
The word choice darkens the tone.
C
The outcome of events becomes certain.
D
The setting moves outside.
Explanation
Poe uses ominous words and images such as “black chamber,” “blood-tinted panes,” and “ghastly” to make the scene feel frightening and foreboding. This darkens the tone and builds suspense. The setting remains inside the abbey, and the excerpt does not make the outcome certain or quicken the story’s pace.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.