Perhaps Cortazar means that modern novels, like detective novels, often involve a search for truth or meaning. In modern novels, characters might be on a journey to understand themselves or the world around them, similar to how detectives search for clues to solve a mystery.
Cortazar could be suggesting that modern novels share the element of suspense with detective novels. Just as in a detective story, readers of modern novels are kept in suspense, waiting to see how the plot unfolds, how the characters' fates are determined, and what revelations will come to light at the end.
Chapter 83, "You Are The Heir, Act Like It", is the clearest early answer because it turns Damon's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter turns that into something concrete by moving from As sunset painted the sky in hues of orange, purple, and the... to Did he find out about my plans to get back at him already?" Damon.... What makes it stick is that the chapter closes with Damon swallowed hard, the weight of his father's words sinking in.
Chapter 75, "Visit To The Elderglow Academy V", is the clearest early answer because it turns Damon's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter turns that into something concrete by moving from The door pushed open revealing two young boys. to As he picked up the feather and dipped it in the bottle of ink on the....
Chapter 358, "Damien's Arrival", is the clearest early answer because it turns Damien's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter gives readers a real answer by opening on The moment the commander's beast leapt to flank the first demon, the... and ending on And not just as a fighter..
Chapter 87, "I Promise You Pain", is the clearest early answer because it turns Paul's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter turns that into something concrete by moving from Lord Terrace stood still, the wreckage of the courtyard around him... to You're making this more difficult than it needs to be," Lord Terrace.... What makes it stick is that the chapter closes with "You threatened my family," he said, each word dripping with controlled fury.
Chapter 497, ", In the Name of the Battle Group", is the clearest early answer because the buildup finally cashes out in a real clash. It opens with The rare string of victories greatly boosted the morale of the... and closes on He didn't want to waste so many warriors' lives in vain; at the same.... The key payoff is that the danger stops being abstract and the conflict around family politics becomes immediate, forcing the surrounding cast to react under pressure.
Chapter 129, "Assigning Guardians", is the clearest early answer because it turns Dean's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter gives readers a real answer by opening on The Grand Office of Dean Godsthorn exuded authority and history. and ending on Her uniform, reminiscent of a high-ranking military officer, hinted....
Chapter 39, "A Threat To Other Threats I", is the clearest early answer because it turns Great Elder White's situation into a concrete plot event. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with The problem isn't that the process is speeding up! and follows through with I do not know but we have lost two month's worth as we speak..
Chapter 102, "The Main Mission", is the clearest early answer because it turns Damien's situation into a concrete plot event. It opens with Damien rested against the trunk of a massive tree, his head tilted... and closes on There had been no guidance, no grand directives, nothing to hint at.... The key payoff is that the chapter closes with As the forest around him seemed to darken, Damien knew that he had been given more than just a mission.
Chapter 32, "Mana Exhaustion I", is the clearest early answer because it turns Headed Hound's situation into a concrete plot event. The setup is Explosions rocked the landscape, tearing some trees from their roots..., but the pressure keeps building through More flames!" He laughed like a mad man as he watched his summon shot....
Chapter 147, "Your Last Meal II", is the clearest early answer because it turns Damien's situation into a concrete plot event. It opens with A guttural snarl echoed through the chamber as the lesser demons... and closes on Damien sidestepped the charge, driving his blade into its spine.. The key payoff is that the chapter closes with The demon let out an earth-shaking roar, its molten veins pulsing with energy as it stepped forward.