"[T]here is a secret about one of my rooms on which I feel disposed to try an experiment. So, gentlemen, none of you shall know
who has the haunted chamber, until circumstances reveal it. I will not even know it myself, but will leave it to chance and the allotment of the housekeeper. At the same time, if it will be any satisfaction to you, I will observe, for the honor of my paternal mansion, that there’s scarcely a chamber in it but is well worthy of being haunted." What technique does Irving use to build suspense in the excerpt?
The setting details are omitted from the plot of the story.
Explanation:
Washington Irving's "The Mysterious Picture" is part of his "Tales of a Traveler" in which the protagonist details his encounters while traveling. The particular short story is about him and the mysterious picture that hangs in his room for the night.
This gothic story delves into suspense where the narrator ends up having to spend the night in the room with the mysterious picture. And from the particular passage, the owner of the house reveals the way to ensure who is the most heroic gentleman among his guests. And while revealing his plan for the night, the author fails or did not reveal the setting details of the mansion or chambers of the scene where the men are to stay for the night.
Thus, Irving builds up suspense by omitting the setting details of the story.
