We looked at four short stories pre twentieth century; I have chosen to write a essay about three out of the possible four. 'The Monkeys Paw' by W.W Jacobs, 'The Withered Arm' By Hardy and 'The Signal Man' By Charles Dickens. Each of the stories is of mystery and supernatural events. I am going to compare and contrast each story and state which one I consider to be most effective and why? To write a good mystery story it is essential to create an effective atmosphere, each story does this in a slightly different way.Each story has a consignment of unexplained events. In 'The Monkeys Paw' the third wish of the first man."I don't know what the first two ere, but the third was for death"T ...view middle of the document...
The three stories each use descriptive language, the styles are very similar. This is because they are mysteries and by using descriptive language it helps build up the story. In 'The Signal Man', Dickens uses 'Ghost', 'Haunting', 'Dungeon' and 'monstrous' by using this method it is able for the readers to visualise what's happening. In 'The Monkeys Paw' Jacobs uses words such as 'Talisman', 'Unnatural', 'Sinister', 'Mummy' the use of these words is creative as if it was a mind of a child. In 'The Withered Arm' Hardy uses 'Exorcist', 'Incubus', 'Sorceress', 'Ghastly' and 'Spectre'. The majority of these words used are to do with abnormal proceedings.To ensure the readers do not loose interest in a mystery story it is vital that the setting is effective and optical. Each story is able to do this in different techniques. In 'The Signal Man' dickens describes the scene before any major events take place."On either side, a dripping-wet wall of jagged stone, excluding all view but a strip of sky;"By doing this it gives the story climax as we are aware of the character and the location which leads to suspense and builds up atmosphere of mystery and anxiety. In 'The Monkeys Paw' Jacobs makes us aware from the start that it's set in a house with a family and friends one of which has just returned from a holiday."Well, it's just a bit of what you might call magic, perhaps,"We are aware that the Monkeys paw is magical and the Mr White wants to own it. The setting remains in the house ...
