Read the excerpt from a short story.They had laughed at the shabbiness of the hotel. “Oh well,” they’d said, “we aren’t going to spend any time inside.” And they had not. They’d spent the day and evening sightseeing and had not retreated to their rooms until they were spent. Now Ana appraised her modest accommodations, remembering how the window in her room had amused her friends, as it offered a view of a brick wall not six inches away. “You get what you pay for!” they’d exclaimed, closing the heavy curtains.The window captured Ana’s attention again. As she readied for bed, she heard a persistent tapping coming from outside. Ana reasoned with herself, reminded herself that only small bird or bug in distress could fit in such a space. The tapping suggested otherwise, and she turned to investigate.How does the excerpt exemplify the ideas King describes in "Danse Macabre"?
Read the excerpt from a short story.The downy pillow covered his ears but did not mask the sound. Sleep eluded him for hours, and he heard it still: a persistent scraping in the corner of his room. Sitting upright at last, he peered into the darkness. It was as he’d suspected. His uncle’s trunk, an old army footlocker, was the source of the sound. Fine then, he could resolve this mystery. He swung his legs to the floor with conviction.How does the excerpt exemplify the ideas King describes in "Danse Macabre"?
Read the excerpt from a short story.From the porch, the cabin looked as quaint and rustic as the website had promised. I hoisted my duffel to my hip, unlocked the door with the key I’d been sent, and stepped into the warm air of the mountain home. The floorboards creaked a welcome as I investigated. I admired the piney living room, noting the stone hearth and the dappled afternoon light on the walls. Then I made my way toward the sole bedroom at the end of the hall. I glanced at the eyelet bedcover, the mantle clock, and the antique mirror. Wait. I glanced again at the mirror and impulsively brushed my hair from my eyes, balking at the coloring of the wayward wisps. How could it be? My hand touched my skin—the image I faced was a much older version of myself. I backed away, watching my wrinkled face retreat. I tripped on the doorjamb, stubbed my toe on an errant nail, and nearly toppled over my own luggage as I lunged for the door.What technique does the author use to build suspense in the excerpt?
Which excerpt from "The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture" conveys the eerie tone of the passage?
Read the excerpt from "The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture."I began to undress, but in spite of every effort I could not keep myself from stealing a glance every now and then at the picture; and a glance was now sufficient to distress me. Even when my back was turned to it, the idea of this strange face behind me, peering over my shoulder, was insufferable. I threw off my clothes and hurried into bed; but still this visage gazed upon me.What effect does the tone of the excerpt have on the reader?
Read the excerpt from a short story.The beach teemed with tourists from boardwalk to shore. A canopy of colorful umbrellas covered the sand. Each was preoccupied with his own happy task, and none noticed the figure as it emerged from the surf. Its skin was blistered and raw, and it lumbered awkwardly in the foam. Its hideous eyes hungrily appraised the masses.How does the excerpt exemplify the ideas King describes in "Danse Macabre"?
Read the excerpt from a short story.At least ten minutes had passed since the last locker door slammed. I had lurked long enough in the deserted shower stall, ruminating on my devious plan. I emerged to see the vacant room I’d anticipated. Within minutes, I had deciphered the locker combination and opened it without witness. This was my chance to reclaim what was rightfully mine, and I felt my heartbeat escalate.Which best describes the tone of the excerpt?
Which excerpt from "The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture" conveys the playful tone of the passage?
Read the excerpt from a short story.The young docent welcomed the class to the museum, explaining that the east wing was under construction and he’d be leading them to the first exhibit. His fingers leapt to his name tag as he nervously introduced himself as “Liam, a student of the arts.” Then he bade the group follow him. They traversed a vaulted hall lined with hulking objects, each one obscured by a faded tarpaulin. Some of the items stretched across the floor, others cast long shadows on the museum walls.What technique does the author use to build suspense in the excerpt?
Read the excerpt from "The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture."How was this vile nervous fit, for such I now persuaded myself it was, to be conquered? I determined to force myself not to look at the painting but to undress quickly and get into bed. I began to undress, but in spite of every effort I could not keep myself from stealing a glance every now and then at the picture; and a glance was now sufficient to distress me. Even when my back was turned to it, the idea of this strange face behind me, peering over my shoulder, was insufferable. How does the excerpt exemplify Gothic fiction?
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