2.3.12 Ch 21-22

​2.3.12-Content Ch. 21-22

By Lauren Rullo

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Suspense

Recall that suspense is the tense feeling you experience as you await something with uncertainty or excitement.
*Suspense can spark emotions of anxiety or apprehension and build tension.

Tension is a mental or emotional struggle. One way an author can build tension is by adding sensory details.

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Tension can be created describing physical reactions and unseen dangers to create unease in the reader.

Example: A cold breath of air brushed against her neck.

Touch

Even though the reader cannot taste something in the story, the descriptions of what a character tastes can build uncertainty.

Example: The tea was sweet at first, but a bitter aftertaste lingered in the back of her throat.

​​Taste

The description of smells, like unfamiliar or foul odors or familiar smells in unfamiliar places, can hint at something being wrong and create uneasiness.

Example: The attic reeked of lavender, just like Monica's perfume, but she had been gone for years.

​​smell

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​Authors may use descriptions of sounds to build tension by describing unexplained or unexpected noises, or even the lack of certain noises, and creating a sense of paranoia.

Example: A slow, deliberate tapping echoed down the empty hallway.

Sound

Sight may be the most common sensory detail because authors are always describing what characters see . . . or do not see. Sight details can be used to build tension by describing unusual details or limited/distorted vision.

Example: The hallway stretched into darkness, the last light bulb flickering like a dying heartbeat.

​​sight

Categorize

Options (4)

Stan ran his hand along the railing and felt a sticky goo like blood.

A rancid stench curled through the air, a miz of iron and mildew.

The forest, usually alive with chirping birds, had fallen into an unnatural silence.

Through the rising mist, I could make out a dark figure.

Match these examples of tension to the correct sense.

Touch

Smell

Sound

Sight

Multiple Select

What type of sensory details are provided in the following passage?

• sound

• taste

• sight

• touch

Draw

In the following passage, underline or highlight sensory details that create tension or a sense of urgency.

Tamiko is finally able to visit Suki. Tamiko is pleased to see that Suki is looking better than when she saw her last in Kure City. Suki is still ill but getting better. They briefly talk about the balloon bombs. Tamiko is proud of what they have done, but Suki is not so sure. Suki changes topics quickly, however, and Tamiko reads her a story.

Ch 22

Nellie and Joey join Pastor Mitchell, his wife, and a few other young people to have a picnic up on Gearhart Mountain. The road to the mountain is blocked, so Nellie suggests going to Leonard Creek instead. They arrive at the creek and begin setting up for the picnic. Nellie sticks her feet in the creek and thinks about Joey and summer while some of the others wander around the woods. They call for Nellie to join them and look at what they found, but there is an explosion.

Ch. 21

Review Ch. 21 and 22

The picnic is meant to be a day full of fun and relaxation. Nellie is also thrilled to be spending some time with Joey. Their drive up the mountain, the first few minutes in the woods, and Nellie's inner monologue are all parts of the rising action.

These events may seem small, but they are actually very important. By focusing on the simplicity of these events, the author creates a sense of safety and comfort. Everyone is at ease and looking forward to a quiet and enjoyable day.

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Rising action

The last two paragraphs of the chapter provide a sharp contrast to the excitement and energy at the beginning of the chapter. All of a sudden, the tone and mood change. Something bad is happening, and Nellie is caught off guard.

These passages introduce the beginning of the climax of Nellie's story. What do you think happened?

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Climax

Key Takeaways from chapter 22

• Tamiko is proud to be a part of the project and to have a hand in the attack on America.

• Suki, is confused and weary. She knows that defeating the Americans is part of the plan, but Tamiko can sense her doubt that it's the right thing.

• Tamiko believes Suki doesn't understand because no one in her family is away fighting in the war.

Summary

Today, you analyzed how writers indicate urgency and suspense in the novel and looked at sensory details.

Tomorrow, you will read the next two chapters-Ch. 23 and 24.