The Thrill of Suspense: What is it and Examples

Suspense is a thrilling emotion that keeps readers and viewers on the edge of their seats. It is a feeling of uncertainty and anticipation that builds up as the story progresses. Suspense is often used in literature, movies, and television shows to create tension and keep the audience engaged. William Mudford's The Iron Shroud and Edgar Allan Poe's The Pit and the Pendulum are two classic examples of suspense in literature.

In Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan of the Apes, suspense is created through verbal cues. The term 'suspense' comes from the Latin word 'suspendere', which means 'to suspend'. It is used to describe a state of delay, uncertainty, and apprehension. In a suspenseful narrative, the protagonist gradually realizes the danger they are in, while readers are already aware of it.

This creates an atmosphere of tension and anticipation that keeps readers hooked until the climax or tipping point is reached. Writers use suspense to create empathy with their readers by making their characters face difficult situations that readers can relate to. They also employ various tactics to build suspense, such as revealing details one by one, adding elements of mystery and surprise, and creating a sense of urgency. All these techniques help to keep the audience engaged and wanting more.

In Tarzan of the Apes, for example, suspense is created around Tarzan's life as readers are eager to find out what will happen to him and Jane. Similarly, in Florence's story in the animated thriller satire, suspense builds up as she faces the person she has become in her quest for fame. The suspense in William Mudford's The Iron Shroud and Edgar Allan Poe's The Pit and the Pendulum also increases until the climax or tipping point is reached. Suspense can also be used in real-life situations such as sports events or art exhibitions. For instance, a national Rose Bowl semifinal that was predicted to lack suspense ended up lacking suspense, unless you want to talk about the art exhibition.

Similarly, in Amphipolis, the debate over two IDs adds to the suspense that is now increasing.