Mood and Narrative Techniques in "Lather and Nothing Else" – Flashcards
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Which words best set a suspenseful scene and create an anxious mood? Check all that apply.
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* nervously
* startled
* tensed
* uneasy
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Which statements about writing are correct? Check all that apply.
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*The pace of a text is the speed at which events develop.
* Authors use longer sentences and details to fully develop a scene.
* Authors use short, action-filled sentences to increase the pace.
* Increasing the pace of a story is an effective way to build suspense.
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How does writer Hernando Tellez use pacing to create suspense in "Lather and Nothing Else"?
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The story moves slowly at first, then the tension increases as the barber's inner thoughts become quicker and more intense.
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excerpt from "Lather and Nothing Else"
A little more lather here under the chin, on the Adam's apple, right near the great vein. How hot it is! Torres must be sweating just as I am. But he is not afraid. He is a tranquil man, who is not even giving thought to what he will do to his prisoners this evening. I, on the other hand, polishing his skin with this razor but avoiding the drawing of blood, careful with every stroke—I cannot keep my thoughts in order.
How does the author best create suspense in this excerpt?
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Short sentences and confused thoughts speed the pace toward the barber's important decision.
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I went on lathering his face. My hands began to tremble again. The man could not be aware of this, which was lucky for me. But I wished he had not come in. Probably many of our men had seen him enter the shop. And with the enemy in my house I felt a certain responsibility.
Which word in this excerpt creates a tense mood?
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tremble
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Which line from "Lather and Nothing Else." best reveals internal conflict?
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And it would be so easy to kill him. He deserves it. Or does he? No!
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I'm sure that with a good strong blow, a deep cut, he would feel no pain. He would not suffer at all. And what would I do then with the body? Where would I hide it? I would have to flee, leave all this behind, take shelter far away, very far away. But they would follow until they caught up with me. "The murderer of Captain Torres. He slit his throat while he was shaving him. What a cowardly thing to do!"
And others would say, "The avenger of our people. A name to remember"—my name here. "He was the town barber. No one knew he was fighting for our cause."
How could the internal conflict in this excerpt best be summarized?
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coward vs. avenger
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Which line from "Lather and Nothing Else" best shows the resolution of the barber's inner conflict?
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I don't want to stain my hands with blood. Just with lather, and nothing else.
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Choose the word with a positive connotation.
Young Farmer Johnson ________ the baby lambs into the pen.
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coaxed
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Which excerpt from "Lather and Nothing Else." is the best example of fast-paced narration?
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The lather was drying on his face. I must hurry. Through the mirror, I took a look at the street.
