Suspense - The Signal Man Essay examples -- English Literature

Suspense - The Signal Man The author of The Signal Man immediately creates suspense by using anonymous quotes, which gives a sense of mystery. Dickens begins by avoiding using terms that identify ownership, i.e. â€Å"When he heard a voice thus calling to him†. The 2nd person in the story is the signal man, who at this point is acting in a very peculiar manner. This produces suspicion amongst the reader and thus generates interest or suspense. Throughout the entire novel, Charles Dickens is using language that is very obviously uncomfortable, i.e. â€Å"Angry sunset†, or â€Å"Violent pulsation†. The characters are not described as very ordinary. The signal man is poor and not very knowledgeable whereas the visitor is wealthy, intelligent and free to do as he pleases. However, there is a trait that they both share. They are both very isolated. This lonesome feeling is far from comforting and therefore adds to the general atmosphere of the novel. The scene is described to be very unnerving and fits in very well with the gothic theme. The cutting is like a deep chasm in th...