Because of the long preamble listeners were prepared for the surprising nature of the tale?

The extensive preamble effectively set the stage for the listeners, building anticipation and priming them for an unexpected narrative twist. By elaborating on the context and themes, the storyteller heightened curiOSity, making the eventual surprise more impactful. This careful preparation allowed the audience to remain engaged, ready to embrace the unfolding story's unexpected elements. Overall, the preamble served as a crucial tool for enhancing the narrative's surprise factor.