An analysis of The Judge's House By Bram Stoker.

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An analysis of The Judge's House

By Bram Stoker

This compelling 19th Century thriller by Bram Stoker has many typical elements of the 19th century ghost story genre. The author has used many rudiments, which make this a very popular ghost story. “The Judges House” which is set in an isolated setting, this can clearly be seen when the author describes it as “…desolation was the only term conveying any suitable idea of its isolation.” Here the author wants to portray the sense of seclusion, as this is a typical element of a 19th century ghost story. The author has used many other techniques in describing the setting, to give the reader a sense of isolation. For example Stoker writes,” …was surrounded by a high brick wall massively built. Indeed on examination it looked more like a fortified house than an ordinary dwelling.” The word “fortified” portrays a sense of danger and this quote also shows more signs of isolation.

 The author also has inputted many shock moments in the story where the mood of the story is relaxed and building up to its climax and an unexpected event occurs. Stoker uses this technique when he writes;” She threw her hands up in amazement”. This is an unexpected reaction as in the sentence before the same person was being described, as a cheerful and most kindly person that makes the author assume the person will have some positive feedback and advice on the question, which the main character of the story asked.  These shock moments are used as hooks to fasten the reader to the story. A good illustration of this is when the protagonist see something appalling and he reaction can be seen in the following phrase,”…and with a loud cry he let the lamp fall from his hand.” This incident is a big bolt from the blue instant, which creates a new sense of obscurity and mystery.

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 Stoker portrays the central character, as a very sceptical and intellectual person. This is obvious when the author writes "But, my dear Mrs.Witham, indeed you need not be concerned about me! A man who is reading for the Mathematical Tripos has too much to think of to be disturbed by any of these mysterious 'somethings,' and his work is of too exact and prosaic a kind to allow of his having any order in his mind for mysteries of any kind." The image of the protagonist has been depicted as a studious but sceptical person and this too is a ...

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