Tension and Suspense in Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the short stories, "The Cone" by H.G. Wells and "The Darkness Out There" by Penelope Lively. Specifically it discusses how the authors create tension and suspense in the two works to build their stories. It also looks at the authors' use of excellent characterization to place the reader in the middle of the story.

From the Paper:

"Lively's characters are not as full and well rounded as Wells' characters are, and yet, they are satisfying and sinister just the same. The old woman is just as diabolical as Wells' character in her own terrifying way. It is difficult to believe that people could be so evil, and yet, both characters are completely believable, and both authors even give them extremely valid reasons for their garish behavior. They are not quite sympathetic, and yet, each author builds a case for them to do what they have done, making their actions seem more plausible and believable. Thus, both authors are masters at building tension and suspense in their stories, and surprising the reader with the conclusions. Both of these works are equally disturbing, and they are excellent examples of great writers and the techniques they use, even in short fiction."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lively, Penelope. "The Darkness Out There." Pack of Cards: And Other Stories. New York: Grove Press, 1986. 179-188.
• Wells, H.G. "The Cone." Classic Reader. 2007. 17 Jan. 2008. <http://www.classicreader.com/read.php/bookid.175/sec./>

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