Question

1.2.7 quiz: analyze story structure
question 5 of 10
what is one effect that an in medias res opening is meant to have on the reader?
a. the reader is meant to question deeply held notions about setting and point of view.
b. the reader is meant to immediately worry how the story will turn out for the main character.
c. the reader is meant to guess about the nature of the conflict.
d. the reader is meant to pick up on the theme of the story.

Explanation:

In medias res is a literary technique where a story starts in the middle of action, not the beginning. This immediately immerses readers in ongoing conflict, making them wonder how the characters got to this point and what will happen next, which drives them to keep reading to resolve that curiosity by guessing the conflict's full nature. Option A is incorrect as this opening doesn't target questioning setting/point of view notions. Option B is not the core effect—while readers might care about the character, the key intent is sparking curiosity about the conflict, not just worry. Option D is wrong because themes are developed over time, not established by this opening.

Answer:

C. The reader is meant to guess about the nature of the conflict.