Question

biff had just graduated from barber college — his third attempt. he had a bad habit of nicking customers on the back of the neck with the clippers, especially when he got nervous, which was often. in fact, he had only passed barber college because the teacher had taken pity on him.

suddenly, the door of the barber shop swung open and in strode biffs first real customer: a terrified - looking five - year - old who fidgeted uncontrollably. behind him stood the boys mother who looked like she had just gotten a parking ticket and was ready to blame the next person to enter her field of view.

how does the use of point of view create suspense in the passage?

a. the third - person omniscient point of view means that the audience is aware that the mother had just gotten a parking ticket, but biff has no idea and goes about his business normally.
b. the third - person omniscient point of view means that the author strongly suggests that biff is a terrible barber, but the audience wont know for sure until he cuts the boys hair.
c. the third - person limited point of view means that only the reader knows just how much biffs job depends on proving himself by giving the boy a successful haircut.
d. the third - person limited point of view means that the reader can look forward to entertaining antics when biff attempts to give the boy a completely disastrous haircut.

Explanation:

The passage uses third - person omniscient point of view. It reveals Biff's inexperience (nicking customers, passing only due to pity) and the mother's bad mood. The suspense comes from knowing Biff is a poor - performing barber and waiting to see how the haircut will go.

Answer:

B. The third - person omniscient point of view means that the author strongly suggests that Biff is a terrible barber, but the audience won't know for sure until he cuts the boy's hair.