Question

What is one effect that an in medias res opening is meant to have on the reader? A.The reader is meant to guess about the nature of the conflict. B.The reader is meant to question deeply held notions about setting and point of view. C.The reader is meant to pick up on the theme of the story. D.The reader is meant to immediately worry how the story will turn out for the main character.

Answer 1

The reader is meant to get hooked on the story immediately, from the very beginning, if the story opens with in medias res. 

Answer 2

In medias res begins in the midst of action. Explanation is given through dialogues, flashbacks, nonlinear narratives or description of past events. For example, Hamlet opens after the death of the lead character's father. Characters make reference to King's death without the establishment of the plot. This kind of literary technique is employed in order to get the reader being get hooked on the story immediately, even from the very beginning. The correct answer is D