Literary notes about suddenly (AI summary)
The word "suddenly" is a versatile narrative tool that authors use to signal abrupt shifts—whether in mood, action, or setting—infusing a scene with immediacy and surprise. In many works, its use creates dramatic tension, as seen when a character experiences an unexpected emotional surge, such as Stepan Trofimovitch’s sudden desire in Dostoyevsky’s narrative [1], or when an ordinary moment is rapidly interrupted by startling movement, like the abrupt stop on a staircase in Wells’ tale [2]. Authors also employ "suddenly" to transition perspectives or heighten suspense, whether it’s a sudden emotional change by a character [3] or the unforeseen occurrence of an event that alters the narrative’s course [4, 5]. This simple adverb, therefore, often functions as a powerful catalyst throughout literature, marking pivotal moments that grab the reader’s attention and propel the story forward.