* The early arrival of the villagers: They gather in the schoolroom "before the usual hour", suggesting something out of the ordinary is happening.
* The hushed silence and solemnity: The narrator describes a "strange quiet" and "a sense of solemnity", indicating an event of great significance.
* The unusual presence of the mayor and the schoolmaster's wife: These figures, not typically found in a classroom, further add to the unusual nature of the day.
* The focus on the schoolmaster: The narrator specifically mentions that the schoolmaster is "dressed in his best suit, with his black ribbon", highlighting his formal appearance and possible seriousness of the situation.
The combination of these details creates an atmosphere of heightened anticipation and tension, setting the stage for the revelation of the lesson's unexpected importance.