What does 'suspense' refer to in literature?

Suspense in literature refers to a sense of excitement or anxious uncertainty that keeps readers engaged and intrigued about what will happen next. This feeling often arises from situations that involve tension, anticipation, or impending doom, compelling readers to continue reading to uncover the outcome.

This aspect of storytelling is essential in creating emotional responses and maintaining the reader's interest. Elements that can generate suspense include cliffhangers, unresolved conflicts, and the characters’ stakes in particular scenarios. Authors skillfully cultivate suspense through pacing, foreshadowing, and strategic revelations of information.

In contrast, other options present concepts that do not align with the definition of suspense. A feeling of calm and reassurance does not evoke the tension and eagerness associated with suspense. A type of narrative closure refers to the resolution of a story, which usually ends the suspense rather than creating it. The introduction of a conflict can set the stage for suspense but is not the same as the feeling of uncertainty that suspense encapsulates.