Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this story.

How does the author create surprise in "The Horseman in the Sky"?

Responses

At the end of the story the author describes a sergeant creeping up on the soldier on watch.
At the end of the story the author describes a sergeant creeping up on the soldier on watch.

The author explains that the soldier on watch notices a horseback rider standing on a cliff.
The author explains that the soldier on watch notices a horseback rider standing on a cliff.

At the beginning of the story the author mentions that the soldier on watch awakens suddenly.
At the beginning of the story the author mentions that the soldier on watch awakens suddenly.

The author waits until the end of the story to reveal the identity of the man on the horse.

1 answer

The option that best describes how the author creates surprise in "The Horseman in the Sky" is:

The author waits until the end of the story to reveal the identity of the man on the horse.

This choice highlights the element of suspense and the delayed revelation that enhances the story's impact, leading to a surprising and poignant conclusion.