Suspense And Tension In Narrative By Richard Connell

Connell uses the rising action part of the narrative arc to build suspense and tension. Specific plot events contributed to the buildup of tension and suspense. Rainsford falling off his boat causes suspense to build up, “A short hoarse cry came from his lips and he realized he had reached too far and had lost his balance” (Connell 2). This event builds up suspense by making the reader wonder what would happen to Rainsford after falling overboard. Another plot event that contributes a large part to the increase of tension is when Zaroff tells Rainsford that he hunts humans. Their conversation is intriguing:
“It must have courage , cunning, and above all, it must be able to reason.”
“But no animal can reason,” objected Rainsford.
“My dear fellow,”