In Passage 2, how does the author's manipulation of time in paragraphs 2 and 3 impact the story? By flashing back to the first moment Della saw the gold watch chain, he creates tension as to how Jim will react to Della's decision to cut her hair. By using a parallel plot structure to show the simultaneous actions of Della and Jim, he creates mystery as to what each of them is trying to accomplish. By flashing forward to show Jim's reaction, he creates surprise regarding the impact Della's decision to cut her hair has on her relationship with Jim. By slowing down the pace of the story with a great deal of description, he reflects the lengths Della will go to in order to earn the money to buy the gold watch chain.