The Monkey’s Paw, The Clubfooted Grocer and The Red Room Essay Example

seems capable of causing misfortune to its possessor. Written in the third person, the story maintains an objective and realistic tone. This objective perspective assures us that the events presented actually occurred, rather than being mere figments of imagination or limited to one character's thoughts.

The story "The Monkey's Paw" takes a more comprehensive perspective by not focusing on a single character. It revolves around the White family, who reside in a small Laburnum Villa. They receive a mystical "Monkey's Paw" from Sergeant-Major Morris, capable of fulfilling three wishes. Despite the Sergeant's caution about potential dangers, the family still chooses to utilize it.

In order to reverse the effects of the first wish, the other two wishes are wasted. Throughout the story, Jacobs employs supernatural elements to generate dramatic tension. His choice of words such as "fakir," "spell," "talisman," "mutilated," and "death" helps to escalate tension as these words typically relate to the supernatural. Consequently, readers are compelled to continue reading and find out what will transpire for the family. Moreover, these words introduce an atmosphere of uncertainty that captivates our interest regarding the forthcoming events in the narrative.

The story's suspense and tension are amplified by the secluded and distant home and its location. This environment is perfect for enigmatic and malicious occurrences, which are common in horror tales that often unfold in remote areas where help may not be readily available if things go awry. The added intensity is also attributed to Mr. White's remark, "Of all the beastly, slushy, out-of-the-way places to live in, this is the worst." From the outset of the story, it becomes clear that something will befall the family due to

their decision to reside in such a remote location.

The adjectives used not only keep the reader engaged, but also create anticipation that encourages the reader to continue reading and find out what happens next for this family and whether their initial doubts were correct. The Sergeant's reluctance to reveal details about the "Monkey's Paw" adds another layer of suspense by prompting inquiries about his reason for its secrecy. It is evident that he knows about the problems associated with the "Monkey's Paw", yet the White family chooses to ignore his multiple warnings.

This passage demonstrates that the family in the story is oblivious to the impending evil. The author strategically captures the reader's attention and ensures their continued interest. One effective technique employed by Jacobs is the use of contrast between various elements to establish an atmosphere of fear and tension. An instance of this is evident at the start of the narrative where he juxtaposes the cold and damp night outside with the warm and cozy ambiance inside Laburnum Villa, as depicted by the drawn blinds and a vibrant fire.

This immediately sets the scene and is a popular technique used by many writers - unfavorable weather typically indicates impending trouble or darkness. Jacobs' statement, "Outside, the wind was higher than ever," after the first wish is made demonstrates that the weather has significantly deteriorated, implying that no positive outcome can arise from the wish or "The Monkey's Paw". Jacobs' skillful use of irony further enhances the atmosphere of tension and suspense.

Throughout the story, there are numerous references to fairy tales that create anxiety for the reader. The contrast is clear - this story is far

from a fairy tale. The Sergeant's comment about people believing it is a fairy tale adds to the tension being built, as the reader knows the truth is the complete opposite. Additionally, the recurring mention of the number "three" holds symbolism. As the saying goes, "three's a charm" and "three is a magic number."

The narrative assigns a significant value to the number three, associating it with positivity, prosperity and good luck. Yet, this irony is palpable given the White family's absence of fortune. Consequently, Jacob's consistent usage of this number instills an environment of dread and anticipation. The story contains numerous instances where the number is brought up: for example, when the Sergeant states "Three solitary men could each make three wishes," and issues cautionary advice to the family thrice. As we approach the climax of the tale, there are three separate knocks at their door. Initially in the story, the family comprises of three individuals.

These examples of the use of the number three all contribute to the creation of dramatic tension. This is because fairy tales are often associated with supernatural and magical events, but the reader is aware that this story does not have a happy ending. Another instance of irony occurs at the beginning of the story, when Herbert sarcastically questions how two hundred pounds can harm someone. He also remarks that he will never see the money, which is ironic because his eventual death is what brings the family their inheritance.

The ending of the story is impactful as the last two wishes and the identity of the person at the door are left unknown. Numerous unanswered questions allow readers to form

their own interpretations of the conclusion. The sole certainty is that Herbert, their son, is deceased and will not return. Jacobs skillfully crafts a wave-like rhythm by gradually intensifying and then dissipating suspense throughout the story. This technique effectively prepares readers for subsequent revelations after each suspenseful moment.

H. G. Wells' "The Red Room" employs suspense in a compelling manner, ensuring the reader remains fascinated and keen to discover subsequent events. Set in the 19th century, this eerie gothic horror tale charts the journey of a main character investigating unexplained fatalities at Lorraine Castle, suspected to be caused by otherworldly entities. The very name "The Red Room," immediately captivates readers due to its connotations with fear and danger - often linked with red's similarity to blood.

The story is written in the first person to effectively display the narrator's thoughts and views on the events that unfold. This technique also allows the reader to experience firsthand whether the rumors about the room are accurate or not. Wells starts the story by introducing an unnamed narrator, just like the other characters. This choice emphasizes the physical appearance of the individuals and highlights the deformities of the elderly.

Both Wells and Jacobs utilize contrast to instill fear and tension in their stories. In Wells' narrative, the distinction between the narrator and the elderly individuals in the house is unmistakable. The narrator possesses a confident and resolute mindset, as exemplified by his statement, "I can assure you that it will take a very tangible ghost to frighten me." By referring to a "tangible ghost," the narrator highlights his disbelief in the existence of ghosts and his reliance on tangible evidence.

The

narrator introduces the first old man as having a "withered arm" while the elderly woman is described as having "pale yellow eyes." These physical deformities were believed to be signs of a connection with the devil during the Victorian era, amplifying the supernatural atmosphere of the story. The second old man is portrayed as even more elder and frail than the first, with an appearance that leaves a profound impact on the narrator, as reflected in the length of their description.

He appears to be more repulsive and deformed than the first two elderly individuals, which creates tension as it leaves the reader questioning the cause of their conditions. Are they a result of aging or something else entirely? The second old man's eyes are described as "small and bright and inflamed," adjectives typically associated with the eyes of supernatural beings rather than regular humans. Wells's intricate descriptions of the characters captivate the reader, setting the stage and fostering curiosity about the events that unfold.

The description of the old people intensifies the feeling of tension as their physical appearance appears abnormal and unnatural. The narrator even remarks, "There is something inhuman in senility, something crouching and atavistic; the human qualities seem to diminish from old people gradually." This choice of words, like "inhuman" and "senility," further adds to the suspense and likens the old people to supernatural beings such as ghosts.

Whilst walking towards the red room, the narrator emphasizes the belief in omens, witches, and ghosts during a time where such things were considered credible. He describes the existence of these supernatural elements as spectral, and goes on to say that the ornaments and conveniences of

the room surrounding them have a ghostly quality. These remnants of past generations still linger in the world today, haunting it rather than actively participating in it. By likening the old people to witches, he suggests that they too have a haunting presence in the world. The use of words like "omens," "witches," "ghosts," "spectral," and "vanished" enhances the otherworldly effect, giving the old people an almost surreal appearance and nature.

Wells creates an atmosphere of dread by having the elderly individuals repeatedly caution the narrator, emphasizing "this night of all nights" and "it's your own choosing." There are recurring mentions of an malevolent entity that has the potential to harm the narrator, yet the narrator disregards their admonitions. This parallels Jacobs' approach in "The Monkey's Paw," where repetition is employed to emphasize warnings and crucial details. This enhances the suspense in the narrative because once a caution has been given, the reader understands that something ominous or unfortunate will eventually occur.

A sense of fear is felt by the narrator as he approaches the haunted room, describing the corridor as having an "echoing passage" and being a "draughty subterranean passage." The word "subterranean" is significant as it implies that the area is enclosed, resembling a tomb. Taking out his revolver displays the narrator's belief that there is potential harm. Wells incorporates traditional ghost story elements, including creaking doors, saying "The door creaked on its hinges."

This highlights the antiquity of the house and the lack of visitors, prompting the reader to ponder the possible reasons for avoiding a particular room. The unexpected extinguishing of the first candle leads Wells to personify the looming shadows, as if on

the verge of advancing towards him. Portraying the shadows in this manner imbues them with authenticity and vitality. Utilizing all available logic, Wells investigates the cause behind the candle’s extinction and ultimately deduces that it is due to a draft.

As he watched two more candles go out, he exclaimed, "Strange! Did I do that myself?" Fear began to creep over him as he realized that the extinguished candles were not glowing or giving off smoke. He noticed that they were going out as if an "invincible hand" had swept them away without leaving any trace. The use of the word "invincible" indicates that the narrator was starting to feel tension. The darkness was personified, with phrases such as "the shutting of any eye embraced me tightly, blocking my vision, and erasing the last bits of rationality from my mind" and "flames were still dancing".

The use of words like "haunted," "chilly," "echoing," "shadow," and "darkness" allows the reader to envision the fear present in the narrator and visualize the darkness and shadows that were created. Wells also employs similes and metaphors, such as comparing the fear to an "ocean of mystery" and describing it as "like a ragged storm cloud sweeping out the stars," to further emphasize the fearful atmosphere throughout the story. These expressions contribute to making the story more realistic by enabling the reader to imagine the darkness and oddity of the castle.

The conclusion of the story is highly impactful as it causes a change in the narrator's attitude towards ghosts and the supernatural. While there is no shocking turn of events, the narrator vividly recounts the happenings within the room. Wells skillfully develops

suspense throughout the story, culminating in a climactic moment at the end. This technique effectively engages the reader and heightens the tension and suspense present throughout the narrative.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, best known for his Sherlock Holmes stories, also penned numerous other tales and novels, including "The Clubfooted Grocer". This short story revolves around Mr. Stephan Maple, a former grocer who seeks assistance from his nephew. Despite not being well-liked by his family, his nephew John agrees to visit him in northern England. Little does John know, he will encounter unforeseen dangers during his visit. The intriguing title captures readers' attention, piquing their curiosity about the circumstances behind the grocer's "clubfoot" and prompting them to delve deeper into the story.

The story is written in first person narrative, providing a personal perspective into the characters. The colloquial dialect adds realism. Despite minimal mention of the supernatural, tension is created by Canon Doyle. It begins with the narrator describing his uncle, Mr. Stephen Maple, offering insight into the narrator's thoughts and feelings about him.

The narrator shares an incident involving his uncle becoming "clubfooted" due to a brutal assault by a customer. His injuries included three smashed ribs and a broken leg that healed poorly, resulting in a three-inch difference in length compared to the other leg. These details provoke curiosity about why someone would harm a grocer and what could have led to this violent incident. The author, Canon Doyle, employs a technique of leaving certain aspects unmentioned, similar to "The Red Room" and "The Monkey's Paw". This intentional omission adds to the sense of tension and suspense for the reader.

All these tales have a

shared feature: they are situated in secluded places. The storyteller discloses that his relative resided in an out-of-the-way area of northern England, characterized as a "lonely part." This terminology implies tension, since problems frequently occur when individuals are solitary rather than in others' company. The motif of isolation is underscored when the storyteller journeys on a train heading to his uncle's place, traversing "desolate rolling plains" for three hours. This emphasizes the silent and remote environment, enhancing the enigmatic aura of the story.

Canon Doyle employs a strategy of leaving many details unspoken at the beginning of the story, resulting in the emergence of suspense and tension among readers who crave more information. The first letter from Mr Maple to his nephew concludes with a foreboding statement, "If you should fail me now you will live to regret it." This statement generates a sense of unease because the purpose behind the sudden desire for his nephew's presence remains ambiguous. It is evident that this is not a casual visit, as indicated by the ominous warning. Mr Maple appears to be entangled in some form of trouble but chooses to withhold further explanation, further intensifying the growing tension.

The uncle sends a telegram to the family instructing them not to let John get out at Congleton. He appears to be fearful and anxious about something occurring at the station, prompting him to make this change. The reason behind his change of mind remains unknown, further enhancing the peculiar nature of the situation. The telegram concludes with the message, "Do not fail; only you to look to." This adds an element of mystery as we question the severity of

the situation, considering this is his final hope and last option.

Once John is prepared to depart, he receives another telegram, urging him to bring a firearm. This heightens the tension as it is an unusual request and prompts the reader to question the events that will unfold when the narrator reaches his uncle. Additionally, he reiterates the instruction to disembark at Stedding Bridge instead of Congleton, using repetition similarly employed in "The Monkey's Paw" and "The Red Room." This repetition serves as a cautionary element, suggesting that something ominous awaits him at Congleton Station.

During the train ride, the narrator becomes aware that something is amiss. He detects a sense of foreboding as all the clues seem to hint at an unclear yet ominous significance. The use of the word "sinister" is particularly crucial as it unsettles us and arouses curiosity about what will unfold. Upon disembarking from the train, the narrator boards a carriage that will transport him to Farmer Prucell's residence.

In the passage, the old woman, Mr. Prucell's wife, warns him multiple times about his decision to go. She repeats phrases like "You've made your mind to go, then?", "There's no hindering you from going back there.", and "Oh, well, no one can stop you if you want to go on." This repetition is also present in both "The Monkey's Paw" and "The Red Room," adding suspense and leaving the reader curious about the narrator's fate and the reason behind the constant warnings. Additionally, both stories feature similar exchanges between major and minor characters. The narrator uses the words "mystery" and "peril" to describe the atmosphere he felt, which aligns with the reader's understanding.

Canon

Doyle's use of alliteration and onomatopoeia adds emphasis to significant words, such as the "clumsy scuffling of the creatures" and the curious "clack-click, clack-click." Additionally, this technique contributes to the enigmatic quality of the narrative, as the reader questions why the word "creature" is used instead of "human" when referring to people. Furthermore, Doyle employs lengthy sentences to evoke a sense of struggle as the sailors enter the house and bind their hands.

In my opinion, this technique is highly effective because it compels the reader to quickly read the line and experience the events as if they were involved in the struggle themselves. When John arrives at Mr. Maple's house, his arrival instills uncertainty and fear, evidenced by the unlocking of numerous bolts to grant him entry. This conveys the notion that Mr. Maple anticipates potential harm or attack, hence the need for heightened security measures. To confirm this suspicion, Mr.

Maple invites the man inside and urges him to close the door quickly, enhancing the overall mystery and oddness of the story. Similarly to Wells, Conan Doyle employs a similar technique to introduce significant new characters by providing detailed descriptions that include numerous nouns and adjectives to depict their physical appearance. This enables the reader to form mental images of the individuals, yielding a better comprehension of the characters and cultivating a more realistic experience as readers can visualize the discussed characters.

The narrator provides an example of this when he meets his uncle for the first time. He describes his uncle as a small, thick man with a rounded, bald head and a thin border of gingery curls. Although his head is described as fine

and that of a thinker, his large white face appears heavy and common. This level of depth in describing each character enables the reader to remember them distinctly due to their unique characteristics and qualities.