Question

how was this vile nervous fit, for such i now persuaded myself it was, to be conquered? i determined to force myself not to look at the painting but to undress quickly and get into bed. i began to undress, but in spite of every effort i could not keep myself from stealing a glance every now and then at the picture; and a glance was now sufficient to distress me. even when my back was turned to it, the idea of this strange face behind me, peering over my shoulder, was insufferable. . . . i had grown nervous to a dismal degree.
--\the adventure of the mysterious picture,\
washington irving
what suspenseful actions of the narrator contribute to the tone of the passage? check the three best answers.
□ undressing uncomfortably
□ going to sleep
□ being unable to take his eyes away
□ being nervous
□ hearing the strange face make a noise
done

Explanation:

1. undressing uncomfortably: The narrator tries to undress quickly to avoid the painting but is distracted, making the action uneasy and tense.
2. being unable to take his eyes away: Despite forcing himself not to look, he keeps stealing glances at the distressing painting, building suspense.
3. being nervous: The text explicitly states he "grown nervous to a dismal degree," which directly contributes to the suspenseful tone.

Going to sleep is not a suspenseful action here, and the passage does not mention hearing the face make a noise.

Answer:

• undressing uncomfortably
• being unable to take his eyes away
• being nervous