9: Suspense

 In chapter seven, Huck escapes the shanty and the custody of his father. He manages to get out through a hole, and makes a convincing scene that appears as though he has been murdered. He then canoes far away from that shore. The suspense is built because this particular adventure of Huck's is very risky. Every minute there is potential for him to get caught by Pap, and only awful consequences for him could follow his discovery. Huck is nearly discovered when a ferry boat that holds all the people concerned for him sails dangerously close to him. Readers are kept in suspense during this chapter because, not only is Huck's escape very exciting, but we are kept on the edge of our seats to see whether he will be discovered, or if his escapade will be successful.