Compare similarities and differences in two fictional stories; "The Red Room" by H.G. Wells and extracts from "1984" by George Orwell and Winston's experiences in the "Room 101".

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Jack Stamford                10GL

English coursework- “The Red Room” by H.G Wells and extracts from “1984”

This essay has been written to compare similarities and differences in two fictional stories; “The Red Room” by H.G. Wells and extracts from “1984” by George Orwell and Winston’s experiences in the “Room 101”. Both of these stories have both distinct similarities and differences in writing style.

        The main similarities between the two are easily identifiable. For example, they are both set in a room, as the title implies- The Red Room. The Room in the short story is similar in a unique way to “Room 101”, as they are both associated and fixated on pain or suffering of some kind. In the Red Room the story is based on an unfortunate woman, who met a tragic end due to her husband’s attempt to frighten her. Also, anyone who enters the room usually ends up dead, or injured – as happens in the story.

        In Room 101, the room is meant to be so petrifying, no one dare enter. It is strongly associated with fear and, as the text implies with this quote “This place was many metres underground, as deep down as it was possible to go.” the room ties in with hell. Room 101’s mention has an enormous morale dropping effect on anyone who is told to go there. People’s reactions are astonishing; one man was so persistent in not going he asked the guards to kill his family in front of him, rather then him face Room 101. He was willing to do anything in order not to go, accusing others, holding on to a steel bench for dear life, but it was no use, he could not deny his fate as the guards were so cold, O’Brien imparticularly. O’Brien was very cold and intent on making Winston as scared as possible, he commented in a “schoolmasterish” manner, which added to the tension. O’Brien has no self-remorse as to what will happen to Winston and it would seem he might even enjoy his evil proposal.

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        The reason for these two stories’ great success, is the authors ability to build up incredible amounts of tension and fear, both the authors accomplish this very well.

        Both the stories lead up to a high terror climax, they keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the tension reaches this climax. The Red Room does a particularly good job of this. For example, as the narrator is walking down the corridors the author begins to implement the strangeness and atmosphere of this old creepy house; “It’s shadow fell with marvellous distinctness upon the white panelling and gave ...

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