The Impact of Diction and Syntax on Mood — Unit test
Question 6 • CR_English II B_1104_SAISD 25-26
Read the passage from "The Tell-Tale Heart.”Why would they not be gone? . . . . Oh God! what could I do? . . . . Was it possible they heard not? Almighty God!—no, no! They heard!—they suspected!—they knew!—they were making a mockery of my horror! . . . . I must scream or die! and now—again!—hark! louder! louder! louder! louder!
Answer
A
Incomplete sentences and short phrases emphasize the character’s confused and panicked state.
B
Incomplete sentences and short phrases indicate that the character’s fear is beginning to lessen.
C
Incomplete sentences and short phrases indicate that the character’s resentment will quickly pass.
D
Incomplete sentences and short phrases emphasize the character’s duplicity and sense of detachment.
Explanation
The narrator’s frantic questions, exclamations, and repeated words (“louder! louder! louder! louder!”) make his thoughts sound broken and rushed. These incomplete sentences and short phrases show that he is confused and panicking, not becoming calmer or detached. The best answer is A: they emphasize the character’s confused and panicked state.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.