Both ghost stories consist of the same themes, supernatural elements and friendship. The identified factors are constructed into the stories well, as there are mysteries and suspense throughout, until the end. In "The Signalman" the narrator of the story is the visitor to the signalman; both characters are markedly of different class and standards. Therefore, it is not assumed that a friendship may develop between them. This assumption comes into mind, at the opening when the Signalman behaves strangely towards the Narrator that leads into him thinking that he was a “spirit, not a man.” Moreover he makes little effort to join in the conversation. This is evident as the Signalman replies in short sentences, and even gives one word answers.
“There?” …..”Yes”
However, friendship develops between them very quickly, after the second visit when a supernatural event takes place. Whilst speaking the Signalman breaks off “twice” with a “fallen colour”, and turns to “the little bell when it did not ring,” and looks out “towards the red light.” The narrator becomes worried and concerned about his odd behaviour as he considers the signalman as an educated man. Who could have gone on to greater things, as he “worked at fractions and decimals, and tried a little algebra.” He becomes very supportive towards the signalman, and tries to explain it has being a “Deception of his sense of sight.” This shows his support towards his friend and the fact that he is genuine, as he is feeling responsible about the issue.
In "The Withered Arm" the main factors of the story are also the supernatural events, and friendship. Moreover, similarly to the "The Signalman", at earlier stages of the story, it is not supposed that Rhoda and Gertrude would bond. As both are associated with Farmer Lodge, and likewise the signalman, Rhoda is not in the same class. Also she appears as being very jealous of Gertrude as she sends her son to investigate about her appearance. However, like in Dickens story it is the supernatural event that links Rhoda and Gertrude, and develops friendship amongst them. Commencing, from Rhoda’s vision, when Gertrude’s disfigurement begins, both women bond strongly. The reason being that, since Farmer Lodge “knows the disfigurement is there,” Gertrude feels that he is not “proud” of her anymore. So she relies on Rhoda for sympathetic understanding of the growing separation between her husband and herself, which leads her into feeling lonely. Therefore, they connect well as Rhoda too experiences isolation as she has “a lot of milkmaids all sitting together gossiping” about her. Due to these problems, both women connect well, and the readers begin to feel sorry for both of them, especially Rhoda as she is finds herself in a problematic circumstance. When her friend becomes increasingly desperate for a cure, and decides to visit Trendle and requires her help. She fears the loss of a good friend, as she thinks that she has exercised “malignant” powers on Gertrude. However, because Rhoda is so overwhelmed by the sweetness and comforting attitude of Gertrude, she decides to go with her. As she wishes to give the “innocent young thing…her blessing and not her curse.”
The characters are key factors in creating interest towards the supernatural happenings. Especially, the Signalman, who acts in a strange manner, which adds a great deal of tension in the mood. In "The Signalman" there are only three major characters; these are the narrator, signalman and the spectre. However, there are additional characters at the end; this is effective because the characters emerge strongly. The signalman appears to be an important character, from the start. The reason being that he is well described by Dickens, as being a “sallow man, with a dark beard and rather heavy eyebrows.” Also there is detailed explanation of his torment, for example, Dickens talks about his “mental torture” and him being “depressed beyond endurance.” As a result of the character being tormented; the readers begin to feel nervous, and more interested about him. Contrasting to the narrator, there is mystery to the Signalman’s character that begins to make the readers question and have concerns about his distinctiveness. For instance the fact that he is knowledgeable as well as a skilled workman, possibly “the safest man employed,” makes the reader question as to why he is a “signalman.” The narrator on the other hand, is a very intelligent gentleman. He is polite and true when he is talking to the signalman. There is major conflict in their personalities, as the narrator is extremely calm and collected, whereas the signalman is agitated and stressed. However as the narrator is very intellectual and genuine, after being informed of the signalman’s claims of seeing spectres, he comes into sight as being logical about the supernatural appearances. Moreover, he disregards the fact that the signalman has gone mad. But instead, becomes more caring and supportive towards him. The narrator becomes curious to discover, as to what the signalman is anxious of, furthermore he develops sympathy for him. The fact that he decides to visit again, implies that he is brave and dismissive of things, which could potentially harm him.
Similarly to "The Signalman," "The Withered Arm" consists of three characters as well which are of great importance in the plot. However, other characters are included, throughout the story. Thomas Hardy uses characters to create a scandalous atmosphere and maintain mystery, which is revealed slowly. Conjuror Trendle, helps create a mysterious feeling because he is explained, to be performing magic in secret and not openly.
“He did not profess his remedial practises openly.”
Although, Farmer Lodge is not in the story much, nevertheless, he is a very vital character. As he is in the centre of the love triangle, between Rhoda and Gertrude, and this results to the supernatural occurrence. Farmer Lodge is of high class and has a desire of looking good in front of the public. This is why he marries Gertrude, to maintain his image, as he sees her as a “status symbol.” However, his decisions are judged by the public, since they gossip about his wife being “years younger than he.” From the beginning when discovered that he has had an affair with Rhoda, moreover, when his marriage, with Gertrude suffers, due to her withered arm. It comes into mind that he is a superficial character. Rhoda in opposition is not concerned about being criticised by the society. She has got used to the role of the old neglected lover, whose looks have faded away. She has also the responsibility of supporting her son. Rhoda being a single mother, is extremely hard working, independent whom earns her living as a milk maid. However, it becomes evident that she has jealousy, towards Gertrude, since she sends her son to spy. Her resentment adds curiosity in the readers mind and more suspense. Gertrude, is stereotyped as being a “trophy wife”, and labelled as an opponent of Rhoda. However, it is gradually revealed that she is in fact more than the blooming new wife; she emerges as being considerate, modest and a kind lady. “In her basket” she brings a “pair of boots,” for Rhoda’s son, showing concern and a caring nature. Gertrude’s character creates a sense of uncontrolled forces; this is because the supernatural occurrences that are affecting her mentally and physically, she has no control over. Furthermore, due to these supernatural events, her personality develops a great deal throughout the story. From being a “lady complete” with a “smile so tender”, and having her beauty described as “the light under a heap of rose petals.” She becomes ruined and scarred by her “withered arm” and disturbed mentally as she turns from an “innocent young thing” to an “irritable, superstitious women.”
Suspense and tension are main the features of ghosts stories, as it creates an unpredictable mood, as the readers are unknown of what is going to happen subsequently. Leaving them guessing in their imaginations. Suspense in "The Signalman," begins from the start when Dickens makes the readers suspicious of the main characters, leading us to believe that he maybe ghost and then proving that they are not. Another tensed point in the novel is when the signalman tells the narrator that on his return journey not to call out the words, “Halloa! Below there”. It builds up tension and suspense as it is unknown what these words really mean to the signalman and why he is scared of them. However, suspense is delivered radically in the section when the signalman is informing the narrator of the spectres. Dickens manages to add tension and suspense by having the narrator interrupting at several key stages when the signalman had not “finished.” The location also adds suspense, which is set on the railway line, which is considered as dangerous place, as it makes accidents more likely. A suspended mood is formed when Gertrude reveals the mysterious marks on her arm, this makes Rhoda’s nightmare more frightening, as we learn that Rhoda had performed a supernatural incident. However, the fact that the rivals are friends at this point, builds up the suspense, and this tension is maintained as the arm continues to wither, leaving the reader wondering about the outcome of all this. Suspense in "The Withered Arm,” is also conveyed effectively, when Gertrude becomes increasing desperate for a cure, and therefore, Rhoda and her visit Trendle, the witch doctor. Tension at this point enhance when it is exposed to Gertrude that “medicine can’t cure it” as “tis the work of an enemy”, moreover, he reveals the face of her “attacker.” Furthermore the fact, that Gertrude reacts extremely calmly towards this matter, sustains the anxiety of the reader.
The plot of the two stories differ in some aspects, diverse to "The Signalman"; "The Withered Arm" contains a lot of deceiving lies. For instance, Farmer Lodge not informing his new wife, of his affair with Rhoda. Gertrude not being informed of her step son, and her lying to her husband about the healing of her arm. The end of the story of "The Signalman" exposes all the expectations of the reader, as it was thought that the signalman would save or be the hero of the third accident. The suspense and expectations are ended, as it is realised that the signalman was actually the victim of the accident.
Analysing, both ghost stories, I consider both stories equally interesting to read. "The Signalman" was full of anticipation, as Dickens left the reader behind with a lot of unanswered questions, leaving the readers in mystery. However, I believe that the signalman’s death could have been prevented, the reason being that if the narrator had not associated himself with the man, then this would not have happened. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable to read, as Dickens used descriptive language, when describing the scenery, for example:
“Unnatural valley”, “Blackness of the tunnel”, “Vague Vibration”
"The Withered Arm", too, consisted of many features which resulted in a successful story, for instance the characters, the strange plot and the withering of the arm. Moreover, it was interesting as Thomas Hardy used many different language effects. He used similes and metaphor, to describe Gertrude, “her face as comely as live dolls.” In addition, the ending of the story was also very effective, as it answered many questions, like Rhoda not being a witch; moreover it concluded the lies told by the characters.
