What characteristics of American gothic fiction does “The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture” include? Choose the three best answers.

Question

elements of the supernatural

a damsel in distress

an appeal to emotion

an emphasis on rational thought

an ominous tone

Answer 1

The three best characteristics of American gothic fiction included in “The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture” are:

1. Elements of the supernatural - American gothic fiction often incorporates supernatural elements or strange occurrences that invoke a sense of mystery and intrigue.

2. An appeal to emotion - This genre typically emphasizes strong emotional experiences, whether they are fear, suspense, or dread.

3. An ominous tone - Gothic fiction frequently employs a dark and foreboding atmosphere that enhances the sense of unease and suspense throughout the narrative.

These characteristics align well with the conventions of American gothic literature.

Answer 2

What does Irving use to build suspense in the story? Check the five best answers.

the odd collection of guests

the lack of detail about the haunted room experiment

the guests’ desire to sleep in the haunted room

the scene in the bedroom when the picture “haunts” the narrator

the jovial nature of the guests who ask to sleep in the haunted room

the breakfast scene, when the narrator is revealed as the man who saw the ghost

the abundance of food and morning joy at breakfast

the host’s explanation, which promises to reveal the purpose of the story

Answer 3

The five best answers that illustrate how Irving builds suspense in the story are:

1. The odd collection of guests - The unusual characteristics of the guests create an air of mystery and heighten interest.

2. The lack of detail about the haunted room experiment - This lack of information generates curiosity and suspense about what will actually happen.

3. The scene in the bedroom when the picture “haunts” the narrator - This moment is crucial for building tension and intrigue, as it directly involves the supernatural element.

4. The guests’ desire to sleep in the haunted room - Their eagerness adds to the suspense, as it suggests that something significant may occur.

5. The host’s explanation, which promises to reveal the purpose of the story - This creates anticipation for the unfolding narrative and what the guests might experience.

These elements all contribute to the atmosphere of suspense in the story.

Answer 4

The expression was that of agony — the agony of intense bodily pain; but a menace scowled upon the brow, and a few sprinklings of blood added to its ghastliness.
How does the description of the expression in the picture increase suspense at this point in the story?

It gives realistic details about the face.

It questions whether the pain was real.

It never explains the cause of the pain.

It brings the story to a quick climax.

Answer 5

The description of the expression in the picture increases suspense at this point in the story mainly because:

It never explains the cause of the pain.

This lack of explanation leaves readers with unanswered questions, prompting them to wonder what caused such agony and ghastliness. This uncertainty heightens the suspense and intrigue, as it suggests that there may be a deeper, darker story behind the expression that has not yet been revealed.