[14] Thereafter Madame Loisel knew the horrible existence of the needy. She bore her part, however, with sudden heroism. That dreadful debt must be paid. She would pay it. They dismissed their servant; they changed their lodgings; they rented a garret under the roof.
[15] She came to know what heavy housework meant and the odious cares of the kitchen. She washed the dishes, using her dainty fingers and rosy nails on greasy pots and pans. She washed the soiled linen, the shirts and the dishcloths, which she dried upon a line; she carried the slops down to the street every morning and carried up the water, stopping for breath at every landing. And dressed like a woman of the people, she went to the fruiterer, the grocer, the butcher, a basket on her arm, bargaining, meeting with impertinence, defending her miserable money, sou by sou. . . .
[16] This life lasted ten years.
[17] At the end of ten years they had paid everything, everything, with the rates of usury and the accumulations of the compound interest. . . .
How does the author use pacing to affect tension in this excerpt?
Answer (1)
Answer:The author uses pacing to create a sense of increasing tension in this excerpt. The slow, deliberate pace of the first paragraph contrasts sharply with the rapid succession of events in the following paragraphs.Initial Slow Pace: * The first paragraph sets the scene slowly, introducing the characters' dire financial situation and Madame Loisel's acceptance of it. This creates a sense of foreboding and anticipation.Accelerated Pace: * The following paragraphs rapidly detail the hardships the couple faces. The author lists the various tasks Madame Loisel must perform, emphasizing the drudgery and monotony of their life. This accelerated pace creates a sense of tension and urgency, as the reader becomes increasingly aware of the couple's struggle to survive.Climax and Resolution: * The final paragraphs provide a sense of relief as the couple finally pays off their debt. This climax, following the sustained tension of the preceding paragraphs, offers a satisfying resolution and a sense of triumph.Overall, the author's use of pacing effectively builds tension by alternating between slow-paced exposition and a rapid succession of events. This creates a dramatic effect and emphasizes the severity of the couple's situation.
