Suspense

"Tommy and I waited for several more minutes." PAGE 250

The author leaves the reader in suspense on multiple occasions. First, as Tommy and Kathy wait inside Madame's house, they sit and wait. The narrator continues to unveil details about the scenario and their surroundings. The reader waits in suspense as do Tommy and Kathy for Madame to return. The suspense keeps the reader intrigued and wondering what will happen next. Without the suspense, the reader would know almost immediately what happened with Madame. It would not be as meaningful when they found out because it had not been led up to as much. On another occasion, the narrator again leaves the reader in suspense. Leading into chapter twenty-two, the author leaves the reader wondering. After all the waiting, Kathy and Tommy have still not received any kind of answer to their question. Just when it seems Madame is going to give her response, a figure emerges from the darkness. Apparently this person, who turns out to be Miss Emily, is actually who they need to talk to about deferrals. As soon as this revelation is made, the chapter ends, and the reader is subconsciously forced to keep reading.