Discuss the theme of suspense in the long walk by describing 2 specific events that occur in Part One that demonstrate the author’s attempt to heighten the tension in the story.

From the beginning of the novel when the walkers are getting ready for their walk there is a sense of lightheartedness, as if they aren't aware of what they are getting themselves into. Everyone is thinking they are going to be the ones to win this thing. There is a typical strength comparison and measurement and judgment between the walkers. This lightheartedness and showing off of bravery lasts up until the first walker is killed. The moment is described as if that of disbelief, almost all of them expected that the "ticket" didn't mean actual death, they almost expected that instead of a bullet, a paper with "bang" written on it will come out and the loser will simply get to walk home. After this self-doubting begins and all the walkers are on edge and as more of them are dropping out the more desensitized the others become to the deaths around. The goals, the final price and the bravery are gone and all that is left is to walk the endless road or stop and die.