"The Signalman" and "The Red Room" comparisons.

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                     “The Signalman” and “The Red Room” comparisons

“The Signalman” and “The Red Room” are both pre 19th century gothic/ghost mysteries. Both of these stories break the stereotypical view of popular ghost/gothic stories of the Victorian period, the authors H.G Wells and Charles Dickens base their stories in industrial surroundings which would immediately confuse the readers of their uniqueness, making them feel un-certain and in suspense as they are familiar with the typical settings and storylines I.E cemeteries, Not only do the authors decide to set their stories in surprising places, but they do not create an actual spiritual being. However, they both manage to make it seem like there is but we find out the ending is psychological. Maybe their intention was to make people question the idea of ghosts and think it could just be their imagination. Charles Dickens sets his story “The Signalman” near a railway which is in a sense ironic as this was a new invention to the 19th century society. This gives a slight hint to the readers that something un-expected will happen therefore they will know it will have a good twisted ending as opposed to the usual stories. “The Red Room”   is also very similar to “The Signalman” as it is set in a house but still maintains the mysteriousness and weirdness that all ghost/gothic stories bring.

   The readers are alerted by the two alarming anonymous eponymous hero titles which underpin what the story is based upon; this is also a good attraction to reader as the title is bold and intriguing  which leaves you wanting more and persuades you into reading the book. In “The Red Room” there is a verbal motif which is repeated throughout the whole story.

“‘This night of all nights’ said the old woman”

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Also, “The Signalman” has its own verbal motif; both motifs help build constant tension and are structured to plot.

“Halloa! Below there!”

In “The Signalman” this is used as the opening line which frightens the Signalman and reappears in the story. Both stories are full of pejorative language and visual/tactile sense images which create mystery and suspense as the story grows.

“Fashions born in dead brains”

“Violent pulsation”

“Oozing walls”

This adds implicit criticism which over turns the natural world, from this we get the feeling of the distortedness that “The Red Room” brings and ...

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