Question

boys tired face, then returned to his polishing.
\so much the better,\ he murmured.
the air in the office grew still again,
filled only with the faint smell of antiseptic.
what effect does márquez achieve by delaying the mayors actual entrance through this exchange?
it intensifies suspense by forcing
readers to imagine the unseen confrontation.
it clarifies the mayors political motives before the meeting occurs.
it reduces tension by revealing the dentists lack of concern.
it adds humor by showing the boys confusion.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Delaying the mayor’s entrance makes readers imagine the upcoming confrontation, which builds suspense. This aligns with literary techniques of suspense - building through delay.
• Option 2: The exchange does not clarify the mayor’s political motives; it focuses on the waiting and the office atmosphere, not political intentions.
• Option 3: The air being still and the faint antiseptic smell suggest tension, not a reduction. Also, the dentist’s actions (returning to polishing) don’t show a lack of concern but rather a moment of waiting, so this is incorrect.
• Option 4: The boy’s tired face and the still office air don’t indicate humor or confusion; the tone is more suspenseful, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

It intensifies suspense by forcing readers to imagine the unseen confrontation.