How does the author's use of flashback affect the story? it generates uncertainty by forcing the narrator and her parents to doubt what they remember about great-aunt gertrude. it adds tension by making the narrator and her relatives uncertain about exactly what they are going to find in slovakia. it ensures clarity by providing all necessary background information in the opening paragraphs. it results in a more intimate story by revealing the narrator's innermost thoughts and feelings. (story is secret in slovakia)

The author's use of flashback adds tension to the story by making the narrator and her relatives uncertain about exactly what they are going to find in Slovakia. Without the flashback, the feelings the characters had when they unveil the secret wouldn't be understandable for the reader.

the correct answers are:

c. “never in the history of his people had a man married a woman who spoke a different tongue.”

d. “‘it has never been heard,’ was the verdict of an old man speaking a few weeks later.”

e. “this man had come with others to commiserate with okeke.”

i believe the answer is d