Ghost Stories essay

        The title of a story is very often important because it attracts the attention of the reader. The monkeys paw is an effective title as it catches the reader’s attention also it suggests that the story has a lot to be revealed, because not much is given away in the title. The withered arm is another good title as it makes me think that the story is interesting and that it is worth reading. The title of any novel is important because it is the first thing that the reader looks at and therefore gives the reader the first impression of the book.

        The short story writer has to attract the reader’s attention straightaway, so the beginning of a story is crucial. In the beginning of the monkeys paw the writer grabs the reader’s attention by introducing lots of characters in a short period of time. Also the writer uses lots of description and verbs which also help grab the reader’s attention.

        A story can be told in a different ways. The monkeys paw is told in the third person. The advantage of the third person narrative is that the writer is not restricted in the words that they can use, also the pace of the story is quicker. The writer has chosen third person narrative to tell the story so that their vocabulary will not be limited. Also using third person narrative allows the writer to use more description and there will be less use of dialogue.

        The main character in the monkeys paw is described as a very kind, friendly man. Mr White is also described as being stubborn and sometimes selfish. This suggests that he may make selfish decisions where as under the skin Mr White is a very kind man.

        The writer has used language in the beginning to create effects. He has used words such as cursed and dangerous which creates a mood of tension and fear. The writer has used a variety of short sentences for impact. This is because short sentences help create fear and excitement.

        The setting of a story is important because it determines the mood of the story, whether it is fear or humour. The monkeys paw is set in the white’s family home late at night. The writer uses adjectives to create a mood of tension. A typical setting in a Victorian ghost story might include a cemetery or even sum sort of factory. This setting in the monkeys paw is typical of a Victorian ghost story.

        The short story writer has to capture the reader’s attention with an effective opening and then has to make sure they keep their attention throughout. In the novel, the monkeys paw, the writer has more time for slower scenes as to much action would bore the reader. Also the reader may lose track of the story line and the reader would lose their interest in the story.