Chapter 5 analysis The Woman In Black
In what ways are techniques and conventions of the gothic used in Chapter 5 of The Woman In Black
In chapter 5, Hill adequately uses techniques and conventions that correlate with the gothic genre. These features are used to build tension and anxiety for the reader and to convey the rising fear of the narrator. I feel the writer has used a countless number of gothic elements to create mystery and strain. In this chapter Arthur sees the woman in black for the second time. However, this was the first occasion in which he caught a glimpse of her face. Arthur questions who she is. On top of that, He discovers a burial ground. This opens up a lot of opportunities to build suspense and include gothic elements.
The writer uses many conventions and techniques of the gothic to create a more tense and fearful atmosphere. Like imagery, alliteration and a sense of dread. This is shown in the quotation, ‘croaking cry that echoed’. The words ‘croaking’ and ‘cry’ are not only alliterated, but they are also words used to describe the idea of an uncomfortable sound. The writer also creates a sense of vulnerability by using the word, ‘echoed’. This shows that Arthur could only hear what was being said rather then using all of his senses. A ‘cry’ is often thought of as an expression of distress or pain. Therefore, this will make the reader feel more fearful as it is an index of evident danger. This creates a creepy sense of imagery.
The writer also creates a creepy and suspenseful atmosphere by using many gothic features, especially techniques like connotation. This is shown in the quotation ‘Indeed, I have never in my life been so possessed by it.’ The word possessed suggests an evil spirit is controlling Arthur. This connotes fear taking over him and it never being able to escape. As a result of that it adds imagery in the readers mind. Also in this quote the writer uses the word ‘indeed’ to suggest the character, Arthur, was still in shock from the feeling of being possessed.
In chapter 5, Hill adequately uses techniques and conventions that correlate with the gothic genre. These features are used to build tension and anxiety for the reader and to convey the rising fear of the narrator. I feel the writer has used a countless number of gothic elements to create mystery and strain. In this chapter Arthur sees the woman in black for the second time. However, this was the first occasion in which he caught a glimpse of her face. Arthur questions who she is. On top of that, He discovers a burial ground. This opens up a lot of opportunities to build suspense and include gothic elements.
The writer uses many conventions and techniques of the gothic to create a more tense and fearful atmosphere. Like imagery, alliteration and a sense of dread. This is shown in the quotation, ‘croaking cry that echoed’. The words ‘croaking’ and ‘cry’ are not only alliterated, but they are also words used to describe the idea of an uncomfortable sound. The writer also creates a sense of vulnerability by using the word, ‘echoed’. This shows that Arthur could only hear what was being said rather then using all of his senses. A ‘cry’ is often thought of as an expression of distress or pain. Therefore, this will make the reader feel more fearful as it is an index of evident danger. This creates a creepy sense of imagery.
The writer also creates a creepy and suspenseful atmosphere by using many gothic features, especially techniques like connotation. This is shown in the quotation ‘Indeed, I have never in my life been so possessed by it.’ The word possessed suggests an evil spirit is controlling Arthur. This connotes fear taking over him and it never being able to escape. As a result of that it adds imagery in the readers mind. Also in this quote the writer uses the word ‘indeed’ to suggest the character, Arthur, was still in shock from the feeling of being possessed.