Read the excerpt from "The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture." All this was half muttered to myself, as I hastily slipped on my clothes; which having done, I groped my way out of the room, and down-stairs to the drawing-room. Here, after tumbling over two or three pieces of furniture, I made out to reach a sofa, and stretching myself upon it determined to bivouac there for the night. What technique does Irving use to build suspense in the excerpt?
Answer
A
The setting details are intentionally omitted.
B
The outcome of events becomes uncertain.
C
The pace of the story quickens.
D
The word choice darkens the tone.
Explanation
Irving strings together quick actions: the narrator hastily gets dressed, gropes out of the room, tumbles over furniture, and reaches the sofa. This rapid sequence makes the pace quicken and builds suspense. The dark words add atmosphere, but the main technique is the hurried pace.
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