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How is tension and suspense built up and maintained in at least two Gothic horror stories?

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  • Essay length: 844 words
  • Submitted: 15/03/2005
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GCSE H.G. Wells

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How is tension and suspense built up and maintained in at least two Gothic horror stories?

The genre of Gothic Horror was developed during 19th and early 20th century and had a popular appeal to the new middle class people who sought entertainment. Gothic Horror has common characteristics of suspense, fear and would often include a rational, scientifically minded character who fails to heed warnings. Gothic horror tales often have exotic and mythical influences. The night and the unreassuring lack of light play a big part in adding to the hellish imagery.

One of the key ways that tension is built up in gothic horror stories is through the setting, For example, "The Red Room" is set is an old dark castle. It is quite remote. Tension is built up with the portrayal of the "long draughty subterranean passage" which eventually leads to "that large sombre room"; the effect of such a setting is to give a feeling of impending doom.

Likewise "The Monkey's Paw" is set in a "beastly, slushy, out-of-the-way" house; this increases the tension by high lighting the isolation of the characters within.

The approaching path to the house is

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