How do H. G. Wells and W. W. Jacobs create tension in their stories 'The Red Room' and 'The Monkey's Paw'?

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Joe Rawson                10/02/05

How do H. G. Wells and W. W. Jacobs create tension in their stories ‘The Red Room’ and ‘The Monkey’s Paw’?

The Red Room and The Monkey's Paw are different from each other in so much as one is about a haunted place and the other is about an object with supernatural powers. The stories are similar in that both writers use the same devices and techniques to create tension and suspense.

The setting of each story adds to the tension. The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs is situated in a remote place ‘ “That’s the worst of living so far out,” ’ This adds tension because it shows that if something happened then nobody would be able to help the characters. It is set when ‘the night was cold and wet.’ The stormy atmosphere provides an eerie feel.

An old castle is the setting for The Red Room. Like Jacobs, Wells uses the outside conditions to create the mood of the story. ‘for the moon light coming in… picked out everything in vivid black shadow or silvery illumination.’ This helps the reader to picture the scene more vividly. It also uses typical devices, such as moonlight and shadows, to start building tension.

Both the stories use imagery to help create a more believable picture of the setting. ‘ My candle was a little tongue of light’. This metaphor describes a flickering candle; the use of the word ‘tongue’ conveys to the reader the movement of the flame. Additionally the ‘pulsating shadows on the ceilings’ also describes the movement of shadows. We get the impression of them growing larger and smaller around the room.

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Creaking doors, distorting mirrors and candlelight are also devices that both of the authors use. These create a more dramatic atmosphere. They both also use images and sounds that most readers consider creepy.

The presentation of the characters also adds to the tension. The Red Room introduces the reader to three peculiar, old characters. These are the keepers of the castle. The way that they are introduced implies that this is no ordinary place. They are only referred to by their odd features, rather than by their names. For example: ‘the man with the withered arm,’ The old ...

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