Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this story In “The Pit and the Pendulum," the narrator explains, "I proceeded for many paces, but still all was
blackness and vacancy."
How does Poe's inclusion of this description affect the story?
O
It contributes to the story's rather serene mood by describing the peaceful emptiness of the
environment.
o it adds mystery to the tale by subtly suggesting that the narrator has something to hide.
o it increases the suspense by maintaining the narrator's sense of displacement and uncertainty.
It creates dark humor by making readers imagine how foolish the narrator must look in this
situation.