How does the author create suspense during the final chapters of the novel?

Throughout Chapter Eleven, Johnny remains in the dark about Rab’s fate. The emotional anguish he experiences from not knowing shows that one of war’s greatest costs is the psychological toll it takes on the living. However, Johnny’s anxiety about the fates of his friends also spurs him to action; he wants to behave as bravely as they did by going to fight at Lexington. This is an example of how patriotism works; people can be inspired to do brave things they wouldn’t normally do if they see that everyone around them is also stepping up and preparing to make sacrifices.