Writing techniques can alter the tone of a story and the meaning. In Charles Johnson's story, "A Soldier for the Crown," suspense and ambiguity are strongly used to add twists, surprises and keep the readers interested. As Johnson retells the story of a slave who gained freedom, the reader is not sure what will happen next. The story begins by introducing the main character's personality. The narrator describes the character to be a gambler and someone who likes to place bets but then questions if the main character will win this time (Johnson 159.12-4). Starting the story with suspense already enables the readers to wonder what will happen next in the main character's adventure to freedom.
Charles Johnson used suspense to show how every decision the main character made is a tough decision. When the main character demands to go too. After Titus refuses, the main character says "Titus, if you don't take me, I'll tell." For a heartbeat or two, Titus looked as if he might hit you" (160.51-52). Johnson created suspense in this part of the story because it reveals a big decision that needs to be made right at that moment. Readers may wonder if the main character would really tell on Titus and Caesar. Would Titus allows for her to join them, the readers question what will they face on their adventure and whether they will succeed at gaining their freedom. This suspense and feeling of not knowing really adds to the tone of the story. It allows the readers to better understand how the characters must feel when taking those risks.
As Johnson incorporated suspense he also incorporated ambiguity. After the retelling of how Dorothy gained her freedom she begins to wonder: "Running away from bondage. Taking on new identities. Yet you wonder what to call yourself now. A loyalist? A traitor? A man without a country" (160.27-29)? After reading what Dorothy went through to be on a ship to freedom, the reader can interpret what Dorothy really is.
