Exploring Mood: Quiz & Flashcards on 'Lather and Nothing Else'

Questions and Answers

What is the mood of a story?

Emotion or atmosphere created by the author.

Which word in this excerpt creates a tense mood?

lathering

aware

enter

tremble (correct)

Which is an example of internal conflict?

Speaking angrily with a neighbor

Fighting to change an unfair law

Climbing a mountain in a snowstorm

Making a difficult decision (correct)

Which is true about the pacing in this excerpt?

The long, detailed sentences slow the pace and provide background information. Signup and view all the answers

How does writer Hernando Tellez use pacing to create suspense in 'Lather and Nothing Else'?

The story moves slowly at first, then the tension increases as the barber's inner thoughts become quicker and more intense. Signup and view all the answers

Choose the word with a positive connotation: Young Farmer Johnson ________ the baby lambs into the pen.

coaxed Signup and view all the answers

Which statements about writing are correct? Select 4 options.

Authors use short, action-filled sentences to increase the pace. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author best create suspense in this excerpt?

Prisoners and blood are mentioned, which hints at the upcoming dangerous scene ahead. Signup and view all the answers

How could the internal conflict in this excerpt best be summarized?

Coward vs. bravery. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mood in "Lather and Nothing Else"

The mood refers to the emotional atmosphere crafted by the author, affecting readers' feelings throughout the narrative.
Key phrase “tremble” contributes to a tense mood, highlighting uncertainty and fear.

Internal Conflict

Internal conflict is exemplified by making difficult decisions, reflecting the character's struggle with personal morality.

Pacing in the Narrative

Longer, detailed sentences slow the pace, offering background information and enhancing character development.
Suspense is heightened by initially slow movement in the narrative, increasing tension as the barber's thoughts become more frantic.

Creating Suspense

Descriptions of "prisoners and blood" hint at imminent danger, setting a foreboding tone in the barbershop.
Fast-paced action and short, urgent sentences propel the story, particularly during critical decision-making moments.

Connotation and Diction

Positive connotation is conveyed through the word “coaxed,” suggesting gentleness and care, contrasting with harsher terms like “pushed.”

Authors' Techniques

The pace of a narrative is determined by how quickly events unfold; varying sentence length is a primary technique to influence pacing.
Action-driven, short sentences serve to accelerate the narrative and build suspense, drawing readers into the urgency of the plot.

Summary of Internal Conflict

The excerpt illustrates the internal conflict of cowardice versus valor, as the barber grapples with the consequences of killing Captain Torres.

Conclusion

Key elements such as mood, internal conflict, pacing, and diction interplay to create a suspenseful and emotionally charged narrative in "Lather and Nothing Else."

Description

This practice quiz focuses on understanding the mood and narrative techniques presented in the short story 'Lather and Nothing Else.' Test your knowledge of the emotional atmosphere created by the author and the different elements that contribute to character interactions throughout the narrative.