How do short sentences create tension?
Short sentences create tension, lots of things happening in a short time. You have to take in the ideas quickly. Imagine a story in a few words:- He looked and saw them. They were behind him. He turned back and ran. He ran quickly. They were slower and tired. Soon he was at the end. He easily won the race. This is the method that Rowling uses by creating several ideas in a short time. This sets the scene and creates the tension which will be anticipated for the remaining part of the chapter. Look how much information is given: It is dark. He is outside Umbridge’s window. He didn’t ask when he could stop. (Implies he was with someone else, otherwise no-one to ask) He was wearing a watch. He didn’t check the time. He knew someone was watching him. He knew it was a female. She was looking for weakness. He refused to show any. It was night-time. He was prepared to say all night. That’s 12 facts in five sentences. There’s your answer.
