Huck’s use of dialect in this excerpt adds humor and lessens the tension that is building as the townspeople file in to exact their revenge on Huck and the others. His vivid descriptions of the smells—sickly eggs, rotten cabbages, and the mention of “dead cats”—illustrate a comical, exaggerated perspective that lightens the mood, contrasting with the potentially serious situation of the townspeople seeking retribution. Instead of portraying fear or dread, Huck’s humorous observations serve to make the scene feel more absurd, diverting the reader's attention from the actual conflict brewing. Therefore, the most accurate interpretation is that his expressions add humor and lessen the tension.
Read the excerpt from chapter 23 of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
I stood by the duke at the door, and I see that every man that went in had his pockets bulging, or something muffled up under his coat—and I see it warn't no perfumery, neither, not by a long sight. I smelt sickly eggs by the barrel, and rotten cabbages, and such things; and if I know the signs of a dead cat being around, and I bet I do, there was sixty-four of them went in.
How does Huck’s use of dialect to describe the setting affect this part of the story?
The expressions he uses decrease the conflict by showing that Huck and the others will be good sports about the townspeople’s retaliation.
The expressions he uses increase the conflict by revealing how frightened Huck and the others are at the thought of the townspeople’s revenge.
The expressions he uses add humor and lessen the tension that is building as the townspeople file in to exact their revenge on Huck and the others.
The expressions he uses heighten the suspense that is building as the townspeople file in to exact their revenge on Huck and the others.
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