Question

Read the excerpt from "The Thing about Terry.”

We work four long hours
Nervous stomachs a-churn
Then sneak into the closet
To await her return

Which best describes how the pacing of events heightens tension?

The group of friends has a fixed amount of time to finish painting the stars in Terry’s room.
The group of friends must finish painting the stars while Terry waits downstairs with her mother.
The group of friends do not think they can finish painting the stars before Terry returns.

Answer 1

The third option. The long hours, "nervous stomachs a-churn," and then sneaking into the closet to "await her return" show they’re rushed and anxious that Terry will come back before they finish — heightening the tension.