How does Charles Dickens create tension and suspense for the reader in 'The Signalman'?

Ross Gunnet 10.1 9th December 2002

How does Charles Dickens create tension and suspense

For the reader in ‘The Signalman’?

In this essay I shall be discussing and analysing how Charles Dickens creates tension and suspense for the reader in the short story of ‘The Signalman’. I shall be looking at devices such as the use of language and imagery, the setting and atmosphere and the narrative style and structure used throughout the story.

The setting and atmosphere of the story is a major device used to create suspense and tension. The setting in every ghost story sets up the audience or reader up by creating tension through the weather, and the setting from which the story shall unravel. The eeriness and atmosphere of ‘the cutting’ sets a stereotypical scene for a mysterious or scary story “the cutting was very deep, it became oozier and wetter as you went deeper” The ‘Cutting’ is also described as something supernatural or out of this world “it struck chill to me, as if I had already left the natural world”. This excites the reader and adds suspense as the reader wants to read on to learn of the narrators possible supernatural experience. This also builds up tension, as the reader is aware of the typical ghost story scenario and the element of isolation also present in this story.

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Another effective device used to create tension and suspense for the reader is the wide range of language and vocabulary used by Dickens. The repetition of the red light “a gloomy red light” symbolises danger, as it is associated with the colour red. The use of colour is also used to symbolise a gloomy and eerie place such as the tunnel. “The gloomier entrance to the black tunnel, in whose massive architecture there was a barbarous, depressing and forbidding air” The use of symbolism of the colour black with an eerie and gloomy place is effective in increasing the tension for the reader. The use of repetition of ‘gloomier’ also adds tension to the reader towards the tunnel and its mystery. Dickens also uses emotive language to describe the tunnel as an unpleasant place to go. “barbarous, depressing and forbidding air” This creates such tension that it almost foreshadows that something dramatic will happen in the tunnel.

One of the main devices used to create suspense and tension for the reader is the fact Dickens leaves the reader masked form the point or purpose of the story, due to the plot not being in chronological order and flashes back in time to gradually reveal what is going on. The narrator has to return to the signal box, to get an explanation for why the signalman was spooked when the narrator called out “Halloa! Below there!” This plot leaves the reader interested and in suspense.

Dickens’ characterisation is successful in the story as the in-depth description of the signalman emphasises his loneliness and mystery,

“He had his left hand at his chin, and his left elbow rested on his right hand, crossed over his breast” this creates more tension for the reader as it foreshadows something is going to happen to the signalman. The signalman is passed off as a stereotypical character from a ghost story; his personality and manner suggest something supernatural. ”He directed the most curious look towards the right light near the tunnel’s mouth, and looked all about it, as if something were missing from it, and then looked at me” this character adds suspense and tension to the reader as they know something bad is going to happen.

The ending of the story is one of unexpected horror. The narrators views and emotions convey the mood and atmosphere which the reader experiences. First the narrator is jolly and enthusiastic, “Next evening was a lovely evening, and I walked out early to enjoy it” Then the mood is dramatically changed as the story takes a twist, “the nameless horror that oppressed me.” The narrator is now upset and evokes sympathy from the reader this adds tension as the mood of the story is now being dictated by the readers’ interpretations of the plot.

The relationship between the narrator and the signalman is very odd and irregular as the signalman speaks in a very low and subtle tone of voice and then puts his arm on his, and leans forward, this relationship creates more tension in the story for the reader.

Charles Dickens uses many devices in which he creates suspense and tension in ‘The Signalman’. These devices include the use of language and imagery, characterisation, narrative structure and style, character relationships and the setting and atmosphere. All of these devices are used effectively and successfully.

English Coursework