Bad Night" by E.W. Hornung

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Please allow some of my ideas to guide your response paper. After writing your own paper, please send to us for editing and feedback as a new posting:

First of all, you might examine how E.W. Hornung effectively uses exposition and other plot devices to enhance the suspense of the [piece. When he presents the background information, it establishes context and heightens drama with ..."Raffles assured me that it was "a one-man job," and naturally intended to be the one man
himself. It was only at the eleventh hour that our positions were inverted by the wholly unexpected selection of Raffles for the English team in the Second Test Match. I saw the chance of my criminal career. It was some years since Raffles had served his country in these encounters; he had never thought to be called upon again, and his gratification was only less than his embarrassment." You might remark that even the title itself embodies foreshadowing or hints that something negative will occur with "Bad Night."

Next, you might also talk about how the author cleverly uses suspense to enhance the plot. He asserts, "Only promise me not to take a revolver," said Raffles in a whisper. "Here are my keys; there's an old lifepreserver somewhere in the bureau; take that, if you like - though what you take I rather fear you are the chap to use!" The revolver reference adds suspense, contributing to the story's rising action. How do you feel?

Suspense also facilitates with "So it happened that I was finishing my cigarette on the edge of the wet lawn, and about to slip off my shoes before stepping across the gravel to the conservatory door, when a most singular sound arrested me in the act. It was a muffled gasping somewhere overhead. I stood like ...