In “the pit and the pendulum,” the narrator explains, "i proceeded for many paces; but still all was blackness and vacancy." how does poe's inclusion of this description affect the story? it creates dark humor by making readers imagine how foolish the narrator must look in this situation. it increases the suspense by maintaining the narrator's sense of displacement and uncertainty. it adds mystery to the tale by subtly suggesting that the narrator has something to hide. it contributes to the story's rather serene mood by describing the peaceful emptiness of the environment.