What techniques does H G Wells use to create fear in “The Red Room” Essay Example

disbelief of the encounters of his present companions, and that the perils of the house had been exceeded by their 'droning insistence'. The sarcasm also uttered by the individual further re-enforces this, for then he says that 'I will relieve you of the task of entertaining me' And furthermore upon character structure by the author, not one character is named, distancing them from the reader, also arousing suspicion as to whether they are human, or partake of the menacing sprit.

Their descriptions are of grotesque in it pinnacle. The initial participant of conversation is not named, but referred to as the one with 'the withered arm'. Withered showing a product of waste, as though rotten away, possibly consumed by himself, as though a cannibal. Yet, the character upon most fear is built is the female that sits 'sits staring hard into the fire' with 'her pale eyes wide open'{pg34}. Characters such as the one being discussed cause great fear as the reader is burdened as to think what has created such a mood in her.

Little does she speak, or move, yet continuously glares in to the depths of the fire, thinking. Yet what is she thinking? Is the question put forward by the author, and why is it she seeks the refuge of the fire when contemplating on her thoughts?. Even upon the arrival of their friend, she takes little notice and 'remained with her eyes fixed on the fire'. The final character to this eccentric trio is a man, who is described of as 'more bent, more wrinkled more aged than the first'. Also 'his lower lip, half averted, hung pale and pink from his

decaying yellow teeth'.

Their age is a contributor to there peculiarity. The possibility of them being from an age prior to our, and of them being partakers of the menace they are induced further by their senility. These thought also continue to mystify the narrator, as he says that their time, was one where 'omens and witches were credible', and 'their fashions born in dead brain'. Also, their age may have created in them a madness, leading the reader to believe that their visions may have been that of their imaginations. The author has also placed in each of the trio, a disability.

Although this may not create great fear, the reasons for their incapacitation is undisclosed. A chance therefore lies in the possibility that the undetermined presence that lurks in the location may have caused this damage to them, therefore associating the being to not only a spiritual factor, but also to a physical one. The setting of the story also builds considerable fear in the mind of the reader. The atmosphere of a gothic castle forlays the foundation of the idealic scenario for any horror story. By it, the author is able to link deeds of the past to present consequences.

The story itself, ceases with the quotation that fear will exist, 'so long as this house of sin endures'. Also, the condition of any ancient castle provides eeriness, as its prehistoric floor, and bound to 'creek', as so are its doors. Also its 'long draughty subterranean passages were chilly, and cold', indicating little had been present here, consequently cold, not only physically, but mentally and spiritually also, as in the lack of life. Also, the

manner in which this specific castle has been built indicates that it has left but few windows for light to enter its depths.

This is illustrated by the fact that it contained numerous 'shadowy corners'. The sense of fear is built upon this as the reader acknowledges that even a slight breeze could equate the narrator having no light, as his candles were his only source. The red room itself was preceded by a 'spiral staircase'. As one climbs stairs such as these, he is unable to foretell what awaits his a few steps ahead. Therefore, the reader lies in awaits a punch line to land heavily upon him, although this does not happen. Also, the sheer scal, or size of the castle adds to the horror.

This is displayed by the directions given to the narrator in order to aid his journey to the red room. Fear is also built upon this as places of large size do not enable their inhabitants communicate easily. Therefore, if any thing were to happen to the narrator, the trio would be given no indication of this as the voice of his screams would be reflected by the formidable walls of the castle. The condition of the castle further increases the fear being felt by the reader. His image, 'in the queer old mirror at the end of the room' appeared 'sturdy' and 'broadened'.

The mirror is a metaphor implied by the author to illustrate that in the walls of this house, appearances aren't always what they seem to be. Perhaps what is meant is that the grotesque trio, in actuality, weren't grotesque, but appeared like such. This causes fear as

the reader is confused as to whether to rely upon the descriptions and sightings of the narrator or to draw conclusions as to what he deems fit. Yet in essence, the setting of the house in darkness. Man is unable to use sight in little light. Man is fearful of what he cannot see, or confront.

This enlightens the protagonist's state of mind as he is desolated by his ignorance, and therefore great chance lies that he is in a state of frenzy, behaving emphatically, desperately straining to impart from the fait his predecessor. The manner is which the narrator endeavours to calm himself, further adds suspense. This is caused as all his efforts fail, and are depicted as fallible in comparison to the over powering, all mighty, fear, as he searches yet 'finds nothing'. Also, the ways in which he does, also accumulate some terror.

The first instance is when he tries to reason with himself, logically. This logic is then shattered. Then further scientific explanation, followed by his meek effort to investigate the room. One by one, all of which are toppled, and fear remains the ruler of that domain. The enunciation used by the author is the final and most effective method of creating fear in 'The red room'. The vocabulary chosen to describe even the merest of detail builds dramatic horror in the reader, as his imagination begins to construct a detailed image of the scene in the story, and thus he feels he partakes of this horror.

Diction such as 'pale eyes', 'omens', 'shadowy corners', 'lurking, living.. thing' portray that the narrator was aware of a presence, yet was unable to calculate its

shape or form, or gather any clue as to what it may have been. Furthermore, the depiction of the flame of a candle as 'quivering', was as though the candle had itself been possessed and 'quivered' by the cold and the fear that was to forecome. The tale also comprises vivid descriptions of the thoughts and feelings of the narrator, and his perception of events through his terrified vision.

This is completed using short yet direct sentences during the moments of action and intense fear. An example of this is when, standing in front of the red room, the narrator 'stood rigid for half a minute'. The horror is almost constantly built though intelligent narrative structure, where, with great precision fear is built then, like a pressure cooker, gently released only to once again be built again. This constant circle is solely ended in the climax of the protagonist evading consciousness in the frenzy that consequates the unbearable horror before him.

Also, events may have appeared different to under no fear differential, the narrator, under the pressure he is under, sees even the most trivial of movements some how perilous. This is evident as the mere flame of a candle appeared to be 'dancing', as though it had been possessed by some demon, yet its sway was only due to some motion that had initiated a breeze. The description of the being contained in the red room is also ingeniously presented. He is described of as not a physical being, nor a spiritual presence, yet as a shadow, that was able to enact actions of the beings prior mentioned.

This builds great fear as the reader thus looks

away from the page of the story, and examines his surrounds for similar signs. An astonishing method that carries great effect. In all, the fear built by H G Wells in 'The Red room' is unlike any other. The author entirely exploits the characters, the setting, his selective diction and even the title to create fear in the reader. His methods are not only effective, but exemplary. He succeeds entirely in creating a story of fear, and one that the reader will find pleasure to read on a night in which he lays solitarily, and has none to seek refuge from, of its horrors.