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Who Is Hernando Tellez Build Suspense In Just Lather That's All

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Heart hammering, fingers trembling, with all thoughts of composure vanished….who knew words could make one feel this way? Hernando Tellez, the author of “Just Lather, That’s all” undeniably employs suspense techniques effectively that leaves readers overwrought. Foremost, the riveting internal conflict between the narrator and himself result in insuppressible jitters and apprehension from readers. This is demonstrated in the text when the narrator bemoans to himself, “Damn him for coming, because I’m a revolutionary and not a murderer. And how easy it would be to kill him. And he deserves it. Does he? No! What the devil! No one deserves to have someone else make the sacrifice of becoming a murderer.” ( Tellez 3 ). This quotation exemplifies …show more content…

Additionally, the author reveals little information about the characters which provides readers with the opportunity to contribute their own feelings. Without an explicit statement from the author about which character is “good” and which is “bad”, readers will be doubtful and unsure about what outcome they prefer. Furthermore, suspense is enhanced through Tellez’s intentional use of delay and foreshadowing. This is evident when the narrator states “On the other hand I, with this razor in my hands, stroking and re-stroking his skin, trying to keep the blood from oozing from these pores, can't even think clearly.” (Tellez 3) With the plot developing rapidly and the time limit of a shave involved, the lengthy, panicked process of decision making is amplified. The recurring use of the word “blood” represents the brutal reality and foreshadow the potential murder. As the narrator’s distressed state surges, the feelings are mirrored by readers until the feeling that they must know what happens consumes. Ultimately, it is clear that Tellez used utilized expertly in “Just Lather, That’s all, engaging readers and etching the memorable indictment they felt in their minds. Heart hammering, fingers trembling, with all thoughts of composure vanished…. there is no composure without

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