What feeling is typically associated with suspense in literature?

Suspense in literature is fundamentally characterized by a feeling of nervousness or excitement. It builds anticipation in the reader as they await the resolution of a conflict or the outcome of a particular situation. This emotional engagement creates a tense atmosphere, making readers eager to find out what will happen next.

While options such as certainty about the outcome or a lack of interest may suggest a disengaged or relaxed state, they do not capture the dynamic tension that suspense is meant to evoke. Similarly, an overwhelming sense of joy is typically not associated with suspense, which often leans toward uncertainty and anxiety about the future. Instead, the feeling of nervousness or excitement effectively encapsulates the essence of suspense, as readers are drawn into the narrative, uncertain of how events will unfold and eager to continue reading.