Opening line: The story opens with the line "He thought about killing himself on a Wednesday afternoon as he was making an egg sandwich." This immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets a somber, even ominous tone. The mention of suicide right at the outset creates a sense of foreboding and raises questions about the protagonist's state of mind.
Descriptions of the protagonist's feelings: Connell provides vivid descriptions of the protagonist's emotions and thoughts as he contemplates suicide. He uses language that evokes a sense of desperation, hopelessness, and emotional turmoil. This allows readers to connect with the character on a deeper level and feel the intensity of his emotional struggle.
Ambiguity about the character's situation: Connell carefully avoids providing too much information about the protagonist's circumstances or motivations. This ambiguity adds to the suspense, as readers are left wondering about the reasons behind his suicidal thoughts. The lack of clear explanation creates a sense of mystery and compels readers to continue reading to find out more.
Contrasting elements: Connell creates tension by juxtaposing the protagonist's mundane daily routine with his dark and distressing thoughts. The juxtaposition of the ordinary (making an egg sandwich) with the extraordinary (contemplating suicide) highlights the stark contrast between the character's external actions and internal turmoil.
By skillfully employing these narrative techniques, Connell effectively builds suspense from the very beginning of the story, drawing readers into the protagonist's world and making them eager to discover what unfolds next.