Question

in the story "Lather and Nothing Else" by Hernando Tellez, How does the difference in the point of view between the characters and the reader create suspense?

Answer 1

Tellez effectively creates a suspenseful atmosphere and setting to lay out the theme first by establishing to the reader and “the man” are not allies (something seemingly not known by “the man”, then adding to it by his masterful use of contrast. Tellez clearly establishes that the two characters are not on the same side when the narrator remarks to himself, “He went on talking. He evidently took it for granted that I was on the side of the existing regime.” (Tellez, 1). This occurs when Captain Torres (“the man”) enters the shop requesting a shave and begins discussing his plans for the captured rebels. Furthermore, this assessment by the narrator also makes apparent that he thinks Torres does not know he is not oh his side. By doing this, tension and suspense is generated between the two characters, although it appears that only one is aware of what has transpired.