Analyzing Suspense in “The Monkey’s Paw” English 10

There are 4 techniques which authors frequently use to create suspense…

1) Ambiguity Ambiguity in literature can be a powerful device, leaving something undetermined in order to open up multiple possible meanings. Ambiguity in literature can be a powerful device, leaving something undetermined in order to open up multiple possible meanings. It is wording, an action, or a symbol that can be read in various ways. It is wording, an action, or a symbol that can be read in various ways. Ex: I promise to give you a ring tomorrow Ex: I promise to give you a ring tomorrow This can be taken one of two ways: Either the speaker will give the listener a piece of jewelry, or the speaker will call the listener. This can be taken one of two ways: Either the speaker will give the listener a piece of jewelry, or the speaker will call the listener.

2) Foreshadowing The author’s use of hints or clues within a story to suggest what will happen later in the story. The author’s use of hints or clues within a story to suggest what will happen later in the story.

3) Setting The time, place, and atmosphere/mood in which the story takes place. The time, place, and atmosphere/mood in which the story takes place.

4) Humor The capacity to cause laughter through: The capacity to cause laughter through: - an object, situation, or person - an object, situation, or person - an incongruity (strangeness or unexpectedness) - an incongruity (strangeness or unexpectedness) - unfamiliarity, uniqueness, spontaneity - unfamiliarity, uniqueness, spontaneity Notice: “The Monkey’s Paw” uses dark humor (not what we typically think of as humor)