Two large dark-coloured eyes were regarding me steadfastly. The mass that framed them, the head of the thing, was rounded, and h
ad, one might say, a face. There was a mouth under the eyes, the lipless brim of which quivered and panted, and dropped saliva. The whole creature heaved and pulsated convulsively. A lank tentacular appendage gripped the edge of the cylinder, another swayed in the air. –The War of the Worlds,
H. G. Wells
What is the author's purpose in this passage?
