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In "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi," how does the family eating breakfast on the veranda create suspense?

The scene in "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" where the family is eating breakfast on the veranda is full of suspense. First, Kipling foreshadows the life-and-death stakes of the scene twice before the scene actually occurs. When Nagaina is talking to Darzee's wife, Nagaina predicts that "before night the boy in the house will lie very still." Darzee's wife lets Rikki know of the cobra's murderous intent by telling him, "She means killing!" 


The way Kipling describes the scene is full of tension. Nagaina is set to strike at Teddy, and the humans are very fearful. We can picture them: They aren't eating, they aren't moving a muscle, and their faces have gone pale. The father whispers to the little boy to remain perfectly still. Nagaina is coiled near enough to Teddy's chair that she can reach him in one strike. Her head is swaying menacingly as she stares unblinkingly at the humans. 


The dialogue further adds to the suspense. The father whispers a warning, and Nagaina speaks threateningly to Rikki without turning around to face him. She says if he comes a step closer, she will strike. 


The foreshadowing, description, and dialogue all work together to create a highly suspenseful moment in the story. 

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