The Red Room by H.G. Wells

The Red Room by H.G. Wells

During the Victorian period, readers became engrossed with gothic

horror and psychologically thrilling literature. Subsequently making

these genres to be among one of the most read story lines; it has

remained a popular genre since.

H. G. Wells wrote science-fiction novels such as 'The first men in the

moon', but he also created 'The Red Room', written in 1894, which was

based on Gothic Horror. 'The Red Room' is comparable to numerous

horror novels today as it has the supernatural climax that is featured

in countless admired story lines.

'The Red Room' is located in an old, isolated 18th Century castle

-typical to gothic horror as it presents the dilemma of being distant

from any help that could be obtained, we can tell that the castle is

European. Being far from help pressurizes the characters into fending

for themselves which generates a captivating and riveting read. The

initial setting is in a 'large sombre room' belonging to the castle,

lit only by firelight, which bestows the contrast of light and

darkness. As the narrator ventures deeper into the story line this

contrast is sustained by the distinction of safety from the

candlelight to the chilling, unknown darkness that engulfs them.

Subsequently when the narrator reaches the destination of the actual

Red Room, he has already started presenting signs of apprehension from

the supernatural presences that are emerging in his conscience:

'My candle was a little tongue of light

In its vastness, that failed to pierce the opposite

End of the room, and left an ocean of mystery beyond

Its island of light.'

Using the phrase 'ocean of ...

... middle of paper ...

...el. With

the signalman being so apprehensive over ghosts, the readers start to

feel wary of what is happening and begin to speculate whether the

signalman really saw a ghost.

The story starts developing once the two characters met and become

acquainted to each other; it brings two lonely people together who

incidentally start to figure out why the Signalman had been receiving

supernatural hauntings. Charles Dickens builds up the suspense in the

atmosphere by the Signalman twice 'falling with colour whilst turning

to the bell which did NOT ring and looked out towards the mouth of the

tunnel', this makes the reader ask why he does this and thus create a

more mysterious atmosphere. The Signalman appears cautious and anxious

when he is alone, which he often is, inevitably encouraging the

readers to become frightened.