Question

For hours they stood there, hearing no sound, and seeing nothing but the smooth, high walls on either side of the passage and the calm blue sky so high above them. Then the maidens sat down upon the ground and covered their faces and sobbed, and said:

"Oh, that he would come and put an end to our misery and our lives."

–“The Cruel Tribute,”
James Baldwin

How does the author create suspense in the passage?

by making Theseus appear weak
by highlighting the calm blue sky
by creating conflict between characters
by allowing a long period of time to pass

Answer 1

by allowing a long period of time to pass

Explanation: The line "For hours they stood there, hearing no sound..." emphasizes prolonged waiting and silence, which builds tension and uncertainty about what will happen next.