Laura Buckingham 10sThe Red RoomBy H.G.WellsHow does the writer create and build tension in this ghost story?The writer immediately creates a sense of mystery by the title, "Red Room." Instantly it makes the reader ask questions, "What is the Red Room?" This introduces the tension, as red could be connected with danger, fear or maybe even blood. The title makes the reader want to continue reading, urging the reader to find the answers and explanations to the mystery already built up.The first line is direct and straight to the point in telling the reader that this is a ghost story. The writer opens the short story with,"'I can assure you,' said I, 'that it will take a very tangible ghost ...view middle of the document...
Faceless like a ghost which has no reflection in a mirror. As if the old people are ghosts or spirits in themselves.The characters seem almost inhuman, a typical ghost story feature, stereo-typical characters.The old people play I large role in adding and creating the tension at the start. Their gruesome, unimaginable, mysterious introduction and descriptions make the reader squirm in disgust, luring the reader to read on.The first hint to the outline of the story's path is received here,"..and eight-and-twenty years you have lived and never seen the likes of this house..."This suggests that the things that await and haunt the house are of an unbelievable and unthinkable matter, they are going to shake the young man."This night of all nights..."Gives the impression that it is on this specific night, something frightening and terrible is going to happen. An idea that the young man is walking into something that he would be crazy or out of his mind to do. Also "night" adds to the tension. Not only is the story based in a haunted castle, but also at night, in darkness. The scene is being set, the classical horror story scene of a haunted house at night."..caught a glimpse of myself, abbreviated, and broadened to an impossible sturdiness, in a queer old mirror.."Now, even the young man cannot identify himself. His own reflection frightens him. He is the only near normal person in the room, yet in the mirror, even he is inhuman and distorted. His reflection nerves him, his confidence deteriorating." Enhanced spiritual terrors," describing things more frightening that what they actually are. The old people are trying to warn the man of what he is to step into. They are not making it easy for him; in fact they are doing their best to put him off., warning him of the creatures that lurk ahead. However, the young man thinks that they are just trying to frighten him, but they're warning him as they know of what consequences could lay ahead due to previous experiences.The main character still remains unnerved in order to keep his pride intact, yet his confidence is gradually disappearing until he reaches a gibbering wreck. The tension rises in direct proportion to his feelings. Every time he speaks the fear that surrounds is character grows as well as the tension with it."If I see anything tonight, I will be so much the wiser."He's beginning to doubt his initial beliefs of ghosts, and has now developed an open mind. This shows that this ghost must be so special that it can change even the strongest of minds. He is preparing himself for the danger he may be walking into. The young man does feel slightly disturbed at the beginning by the old people but not enough to prevent him from going into the room. He is still determined to face whatever is supposedly dwelt in this special room."It's your own choosing."This phrase is repeated throughout the beginning of the story. The elderly man is in some way constantly warning the young man, yet at the same t...
