Explore how Wells presents an atmosphere of suspense, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1

H.G. Wells crafts an atmosphere of suspense by employing vivid imagery and an ominous sense of isolation within this extract. The setting is introduced with a disquieting depiction of Maybury Hill, where the narrator notices the absence of life, creating an initial layer of anxiety: 'there did not seem to be a living soul on Maybury Hill.' This effectively sets the stage for the unfolding events, suggesting danger and abandonment.

As the characters embark on their journey through the woods, Wells amplifies the suspense through detailed descriptions of the environment. The phrase 'scared and blackened ruins of woods' enhances the foreboding mood, indicating that not only has there been destruction, but it also hints at a lurking peril. The visual of 'dismal grey stems' evokes feelings of despair, symbolizing the loss of safety and normalcy.

Moreover, the dialogue and actions of the characters—specifically the narrator and the artilleryman—further build suspense. Their whispered conversations and vigilant glances over their shoulders convey a sense of urgency and fear, suggesting they are being watched or may encounter danger at any moment. "We pushed through these toward the railway without meeting a soul" further emphasizes the isolation and heightens the tension, as the unwelcoming silence continues to envelop them.

In a broader context, this representation of suspense is a recurring theme throughout Wells' writing. His use of setting, paired with character dynamics, consistently immerses readers in an environment fraught with tension, mirroring social anxieties of his era, and drawing parallels between personal fear and the broader societal chaos.