Question

I think everyone expected to see a man emerge—possibly something a little unlike us terrestrial men, but in all essentials a man. I know I did. But, looking, I presently saw something stirring within the shadow: greyish billowy movements, one above another, and then two luminous disks—like eyes. Then something resembling a little grey snake, about the thickness of a walking stick, coiled up out of the writhing middle, and wriggled in the air towards me—and then another.

–The War of the Worlds,
H. G. Wells

Which aesthetic elements are most clearly present in this passage? Select three options.

descriptive adjectives
long, detailed sentences
short, choppy sentences
a calm mood
a suspenseful mood

Answer 1

- descriptive adjectives
- long, detailed sentences
- a suspenseful mood

Briefly: the passage uses vivid adjectives ("greyish," "luminous," "little grey"), contains extended descriptive clauses and phrases, and builds tension and unease as the creature emerges.