Question

The expression was that of agony—the agony of intense bodily pain; but a menace scowled upon the brow, and a few sprinklings of blood added to its ghastliness. Yet it was not all these characteristics—it was some horror of the mind, some inscrutable antipathy awakened by this picture, which harrowed up my feelings.
What technique does Irving use to build suspense in the excerpt?

Answer 1

What technique does Irving use to build suspense in the excerpt?

1The pace of the story quickens.

2The word choice darkens the tone.

3Odd characters are introduced.

4The setting details are intentionally omitted.

Answer:

2. The word choice darkens the tone.

Explanation:

According to the excerpt by Irving, he describes a horrific scene, where there is agony, extreme bodily pain, along with blood to make the scene more ghastly and he also talks about the most horrific thing being a "horror of the mind"

The technique that Irving uses to build suspense in the excerpt is his use of words that darken the tone as it never explains the cause of the pain but vividly describes it.