The expression was that of agony—the agony of intense bodily pain; but a menace scowled upon the brow, and a few sprinklings of
blood added to its ghastliness. Yet it was not all these characteristics—it was some horror of the mind, some inscrutable antipathy awakened by this picture, which harrowed up my feelings. What technique does Irving use to build suspense in the excerpt?
1The pace of the story quickens.
2The word choice darkens the tone.
3Odd characters are introduced.
4The setting details are intentionally omitted.
The answer to the question is option 2: The word choice darkens the tone. The excerpt above is from <span>"The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture." And based on this excerpt, the technique being used by the author here is the specific use of word choice in order to create the effect of a darker, gothic and mysterious tone. </span>
