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Question

Read the excerpt from "Lather and Nothing Else"

He went on talking. He evidently took it for granted that I was on the side of the existing regime.

"The people must have gotten a scare with what happened the other day,” he said.

"Yes,” I replied, as I finished tying the knot against his nape, which smelt of sweat.

"Good show, wasn’t it?”

"Very good,” I answered, turning my attention now to the brush. The man closed his eyes wearily and awaited the cool caress of the lather.

How does this conversation build suspense in the story?

The “small talk” shows that the captain is foolish and the barber is afraid.
The “small talk” slows the pace, building interest at the beginning of the story.
The discussion helps readers feel sympathetic toward Captain Torres.
The discussion helps readers understand the barber’s final decision

Answer 1

The discussion builds suspense in the story by creating a sense of tension and unease between the barber and Captain Torres. The small talk about the recent events and the positive attitude towards them from Captain Torres contrasts with the barber's conflicted feelings. This tension between the two characters hints at a potential conflict or decision that the barber may have to make, which keeps the reader engaged and curious to see how the situation unfolds.