Question

And now he became conscious of a new disturbance. Striking through the thought of his dear ones was a sound which he could neither ignore nor understand, a sharp, distinct, metallic percussion like the stroke of a blacksmith’s hammer upon the anvil; it had the same ringing quality. He wondered what it was, and whether immeasurably distant or near by—it seemed both. Its recurrence was regular, but as slow as the tolling of a death knell. He awaited each stroke with impatience and—he knew not why—apprehension. The intervals of silence grew progressively longer, the delays became maddening. With their greater infrequency the sounds increased in strength and sharpness. They hurt his ear like the thrust of a knife; he feared he would shriek. What he heard was the ticking of his watch. Which best describes the effect of the narration in the excerpt?

Answer 1

Your question is incomplete. The options to choose from are the following:

It suggests that the man being executed feels tranquil and at peace.

It suggests that the narrator is sympathetic to the man being executed.

It suggests that the plot will become less tense as the story continues.

It suggests that the story will become more intense and mysterious.

Answer:

It suggests that the story will become more intense and mysterious.

Explanation:

In the excerpt from "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by American writer Ambrose Bierce, the noises that the speaker hears help build suspense and make the plot become more puzzling. In that matter, Farquhar hears an annoying sound which he describes as sharp and metallic. Besides, its regularity gives the impression of being the sound of a bell when it is rung solemnly for a death or funeral, which is realted to the protagonist's death. Thus, the more infrequent the sound becomes, it increases in sharpness and intensity.

Answer 2

Answer:D

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