How does Shelley feels most clearly create suspense in the story?
a.)she emphasizes themes that focus on death.
b.)she withholds important information from the audience
c.) She makes the main character a madman
d.)she narrates the story from the first-person point of view.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: b.) she withholds important information from the audience.
Explanation:
In Mary Shelley’s writings, particularly in Frankenstein, suspense is effectively created through the technique of withholding critical information from the audience. This method engages readers by sparking curiosity and a sense of mystery about what is to come. Shelley’s decision to gradually reveal details and obscure others compels readers to stay invested in the story, yearning for answers.
For example, Shelley frequently delays revealing key facts about Victor Frankenstein’s experiment and its dire consequences. Early in the novel, Victor narrates his past without immediately disclosing the full nature of his scientific endeavors or the extent of the monster’s deeds. This omission builds tension because readers are aware that something catastrophic has occurred but must wait to understand what it is and why it happened.
This technique is also evident in the monster’s backstory. Shelley withholds the creature’s thoughts and experiences until later in the narrative, heightening the suspense about its character and motives. By the time readers encounter the creature’s perspective, the delay has built enough tension to make its revelations deeply impactful.
This withholding of information aligns with Shelley’s larger themes of discovery and the unforeseen consequences of knowledge. The gaps in the story mirror the unpredictability of science and the dangers of overreaching ambition.
While the other options—such as themes of death, the portrayal of a madman, and first-person narration—are valid literary tools Shelley employs, they are less central to the creation of suspense. The deliberate pacing and strategic withholding of details are what most effectively keep readers on edge, making them eager to piece together the story’s mysteries. This narrative approach cements Shelley’s mastery of suspense, ensuring that her audience remains captivated from beginning to end.