In "My Brother's Keeper," the author includes the line “and Jamie thought to himself, this time it must be bad” in Jamie’s phone conversation with Ted in order to
Must be a new kind of math.
very odd math
build suspense and anticipation.
create tension and foreshadow a potentially serious or troubling situation.
To understand why the author includes this line, "and Jamie thought to himself, this time it must be bad," we need to consider the context of the story, specifically Jamie's phone conversation with Ted.
First, let's break down the line itself. "And Jamie thought to himself" indicates that the words that follow are Jamie's inner thoughts or reflections. This suggests that Jamie is thinking something significant or meaningful in response to the situation.
The phrase "this time" suggests that Jamie has had previous experiences or dealings with similar situations or events. These previous experiences give him a basis for comparison, indicating that whatever he is currently facing feels more severe than before.
The phrase "it must be bad" reveals Jamie's conclusion or assessment of the situation. His thought implies that he perceives the current situation to be worse than what he has encountered before.
By including this line, the author aims to build tension and anticipation in the reader. Jamie's inner thoughts indicate that something grave or problematic is about to unfold. This raises questions in the reader's mind, such as: What is the nature of this situation? Why does Jamie feel it is particularly bad? What consequences might arise from it?
As readers, we are likely to become more engaged and invested in the story, eagerly wanting to find out what happens next and whether Jamie's worries are justified. The line serves as a form of foreshadowing, signaling potential trouble or conflict that the characters will face, heightening the narrative's suspense and building curiosity.