In "The Mustache" by Robert Cormier, a significant event that builds suspense occurs when the protagonist, a young man named Mike, visits his grandparents’ house with the intention of revealing his new mustache. This seemingly simple act is loaded with tension because it serves as a symbolic gesture of Mike's transition from adolescence to adulthood. However, it also represents a change that his grandparents may not be ready to accept.
The complication arises when Mike’s grandmother, upon seeing his mustache, does not react as he expected. Instead of an endearing response, she becomes emotional, leading to a moment where it becomes clear that the mustache serves as a trigger for deeper, unspoken family issues, including themes of memory and loss. The suspense escalates as Mike grapples with the realization that his innocent gesture may evoke painful memories of his grandfather, who has passed away. This conflict raises questions about identity, the perception of self, and the implications of change, drawing readers into a deeper exploration of how simple actions can have profound emotional consequences.
This moment encapsulates the complexity of familial relationships and the challenges of growing up, making the story rich with tension and emotional depth as Mike navigates the unexpected fallout of his seemingly trivial choice.