The Proposal Rhetorical Analysis

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Franz Kafka’s short story “The Refusal” effectively creates tension and mystery through its structure, and the way events are ordered in the narrative. Tension is a feeling of unease or strain, often because something bad seems likely to happen, while mystery involves unanswered questions that make the reader curious or anxious. In “The Refusal,” Kafka uses these elements to draw the reader into the story and keep them engaged. The story is about a small town visited by an officer who holds a significant amount of power. The townspeople’s reactions to the officer’s arrival suggest that they are afraid, but Kafka doesn’t immediately explain why. This makes the reader feel the same tension as the characters, as they wait to find out what the officer’s true purpose is. Kafka’s choice to end the story with an unresolved conflict adds to the mystery, leaving the reader with lingering questions. …show more content…

The story begins with the officer’s arrival, which immediately puts the townspeople on edge. Instead of explaining why the officer’s presence is so troubling, Kafka allows the tension to build by focusing on the townspeople’s anxious reactions. The reader senses that the officer’s visit is a serious matter, but the exact reasons are unclear. As the story continues, Kafka reveals that the officer has significant authority, but he doesn’t provide all the details about his orders or intentions. This lack of information makes the reader feel the same anxiety and tension that the characters do, as they are unsure of what might happen next. By structuring the story in this way, Kafka effectively builds suspense and keeps the reader

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