The author's use of short sentences in the excerpt from "Surrendering" by Ocean Vuong contributes to a **relieved tone**. Here's how:
1. **Concise Expression**: Short sentences often convey a sense of clarity and simplicity. In this excerpt, the short sentences "The paper a white flag. I had surrendered, had written." suggest a straightforward and direct expression of the speaker's actions.
2. **Resolution and Acceptance**: The brevity of the sentences can signify a sense of resolution and acceptance. The author has surrendered and written the poem, indicating a completion of a process or task, which can be interpreted as a relief from a burden or a sense of accomplishment.
3. **Emotional Release**: Short sentences can also create a rhythm that enhances the emotional impact of the text. In this case, the succinct phrases may evoke a feeling of release or liberation after the act of writing, contributing to a relieved tone.
Overall, the author's use of short sentences in the excerpt helps convey a sense of relief and resolution, suggesting that the act of writing has provided a cathartic experience for the speaker.