Why might an author provide clues about what is happening in a story instead of simply explaining it?

Armed with invisible ink, a cipher system, and a passion to end the war and preserve the union, elizabeth van lew became butler's eyes and ears in the confederate capital city. truth be told, however, she became much more than that. she became a spymaster, the person responsible for running a network of agents, couriers, and safe houses that was very active during the war. in addition to the spying, elizabeth van lew continued to maintain her church hill home as a safe house and something of a local union spy headquarters. —the dark game, paul janeczko what is the central idea of this passage? van lew’s home was used as a safe house, which was critical to the confederacy. van lew had a passion to end the war and preserve the union. van lew was a spymaster, a leading force in the espionage activities for the union. van lew did not enjoy working for general butler.

Han put the last box into the back of his car and turned to look up at his dorm room. he saw himself through the window, laughing with his roommates and sharing his hopes and dreams. he saw all of the hours spent studying and the celebrations at the end of each semester. he smiled fondly as he turned away, got into his car, and drove off. which literary element does the passage contain?

Is my answer correct? if not correct me