These negative weather conditions and atmosphere make Pip feel inadequate and uneasy about the surroundings. This becomes apparent when we read that “the small bundle of shivers growing afraid of it all and beginning to cry, was Pip” in extract 1. This confirms Pip’s fear and uncertainty as he explores the marshes.
Likewise, Pip shows a sense of bewilderment and uncertainty in extract 14. Pip is very bemused that a stranger (in his eyes), seems to recognize him and is showing “deliberate affection”. “I had seen a face that was strange to me looking up with an incomprehensible air of being touched and pleased by the sight of me” confirms Pip’s bewilderment. Also, when the unidentified man holds out his hands for the second time, Pip replies “What do you mean?” which shows his confusion. Pip’s bewilderment and confusion in both extracts 1 and 14, heighten tension as the reader is also left bewildered in the fact that they can’t predict what is going t happen further in the novel.
The emphasis on mystery in both extracts 1 and 14 also helps to heighten tension. Extract 1 portrays a “fearful man” who remains unidentified throughout the extract. Pip entitles him “the man” in both extracts which helps to build up tension as it creates a mysterious, unfamiliar character. In extract 1 the first description of the man is “fearful” which automatically implies to the reader that he is a dangerous, negative character. On the contrary, the first few descriptions of “the man” in extract 14 is that “he was a substantially dressed …muscular man, strong on his legs…” which does not create a negative character but suggests a mysterious one.
In addition, the various writing techniques incorporated by Dickens dramatically helps to build up tension throughout extracts 1 and 14. Extract 1 demonstrates Dickens’ use of verbs and adjectives within a long complex sentence, separated by commas. The verbs and adjectives used, such as; “stung”, “shivered”, “growled” and “smothered” create a precise picture of the character and portrays what the landscape has done to him.
The verbs within this sentence have a great impact on the reader as we feel a sense of empathy for we realise what there conditions have done to the convict. The use of the connective “and” throughout the long complex sentence adds flow but also makes the reader slightly out of breath, therefore reflecting the convict’s terrible conditions.
The convict’s character uses imperative language as he speaks to Pip, commanding him to “tell”, “give” and “show”. This adds a frightful feel to the extract. Furthermore, Dickens shows the character’s dialect, by spelling the words how the convict would say them. For example, the words “pecooliar” and “partickler” suggests the way the convict speaks. In this same paragraph, modal words such as “may” have been used to build up to the “but”. After this, the word “will” is used to show threatening behaviour and language used against Pip. In addition, a contrast of power and helplessness is created as we read “that his eyes looked most powerfully down into mine, and mine looked most helplessly up into his”. This adds tension as it allows the reader to compare the two different characters.
Throughout extract 14, Dickens uses repetition on a series of words and phrases. The repetition of “I know him” draws the reader in and makes feel exited and intrigued at the fact that Pip recalls “the man”. Dickens also uses a triple, “the abhorrence …the dread …the repugnance.” This emotive language emphasises Pip’s shock and feelings.
Another technique Dickens uses is the narrator’s commentary, in this case, the older Pip. This helps the reader to understand Pip’s true feelings and adds tension by contrasting the young and old Pip, in both extracts. It allows the reader to know how the older Pip feels about his actions as a young boy.
Our knowledge of crime and punishment in the Victorian period also greatly helps to build up tension within the novel ‘Great Expectations’. In extract 1, Magwitch, the convict, escapes prison. We realise this when we read “A fearful man, all in coarse grey, with a great iron on his leg”. In the Victorian period, all crimes were treated in the same severe manner. There was no taking into account the different severities. Therefore, a man who stole food could get locked up in the same cell as a murderer. This adds tension in the novel as the reader ponders the severity of Magwitch’s crime. It could be as serious as murder or could be much less serious of a crime as theft. Dickens’ choice of verbs “hugged”, “shuddering” and “limped” make the reader feel sympathetic towards the convict. However, luckily Magwitch is not punished with the usual Victorian Death Penalty, but is deported to Australia.
Similarly, in extract 14, Magwitch has yet again broken the law. Magwitch was supposed to continue living in Australia, however, he shipped back into England illegally. Unlike before however, Magwitch’s punishment, the Death Penalty, would be inevitable. This creates tension as we, the reader, feel empathy towards the kind-hearted criminal ad do not wish anything happens to him.
Overall, I believe that Dickens has used various successful techniques throughout ‘Great Expectations’ to create and build up tension. However, in my opinion, extract 1 was more successful then extract 14. This is because extract 1 engaged me much more, through the greater emphasis on mystery and linguistic features. Mystery is dramatically enhanced due to the convict having no identity and being repeatedly referred to as “the man” in Pip’s commentary. It adds confusion and also suspense. Extract 1 is mostly made up of commentary by the older Pip and description of the scenery. This really helps to set the scene and also add tension. Pip’s commentary adds tension as we, the reader, can grasp Pip’s true feelings on his life as a young boy.
In conclusion, I believe extract 1 is Dickens’ most successful extract at creating and building up tension compared with extract 14. This is due to his use of syntax which involves the reader more, with the long sentences building up suspense and short sentences having a dramatic effect. Also, the repetitive language and verbs help to create a precise picture of the characters which dramatically adds tension.
