Discuss how the authors create tension in each of the stories. Which do you think is the more successful ghost story?

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Richard Aldridge 10 Gordon

Discuss how the authors create tension in

each of the stories. Which do you think is the more

successful ghost story?

This essay will compare how the two authors of The Red Room and Farthing House create tension and build up the atmosphere of a successful ghost story throughout the course of the stories.

         The Red Room by H.G.Wells has many effective ways of creating tension. Firstly the language itself is in the first person perspective, which makes the reader feel more involved in the story. Because of this it is as if the characters emotions can be felt. This however is in contrast to Susan Hill’s Farthing house, which appears to be far more personal as the narrator is self-conscious. There is also a certain sense of urgency about the story, as if it has to be told, this makes the story seem more compelled.

       The Red Room by H.G.Wells straight away creates an immediate impact upon the reader with the opening sentence used by the central protagonist.

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                  “I can assure you,” said I,”that it will take a very tangible

        ghost to frighten me”

Instantly the reader is lured into the eerie atmosphere. The presence of the old people at this stage gives a certain sense of tension with their mysterious appearance, especially the man with the withered arm. The fact that there is no knowledge or history of the house at the beginning of the story is in itself quite mysterious.

    The central protagonist comes across to be quite arrogant, especially when he ...

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