In the extract the author, Susan Hill, uses a range of linguistic devices including adverbial phrases to convey Arthur Kipps’ isolation in the setting. The adverb ‘scarcely’ is purposefully used so the reader subconsciously considers the scarcity of other humans and buildings in the area, empathising with Kipp’s sense of isolation. This builds a sense of mystery for the reader.
Additionally, Hill’s lexical choices include the decision to juxtapose the comparative adjective ‘smaller’ with the common abstract noun ‘immensity’. The repetition of the comparative adjective ‘smaller’, emphasises the tininess of humans within the expanse of the marsh, while it’s contrast to ‘immensity’ is done to showcase how intimidating, large and dark the setting is to the…show more content… Susan Hill presents a range of syntactical devices including a variety of sentence structures and many shifts in both perspective and focus in order to interest the reader. The shift in focus following the noun phrase ‘beautiful spot’ to the mundane nature of the house causes the reader to wonder why the speaker feels so alone and is so vehemently unafraid of this apparently unassuming house. It suggests Kipps is both paranoid about the setting and of looking paranoid. This is furthered with the use of the attributive adjective ‘ridiculous’ to describe Arthur’s driver visiting the Eel Marsh House frequently over the course of Arthur’s visit, showing Arthur’s derision of causing a fuss even in the face of his obvious anxiety. Susan Hill has deliberately structured the text to portray this frantic speculation over the setting’s nature, thus making the reader speculate too, piquing their interest.
Similarly, the sudden use of simple interrogative sentences such as ‘The wind?’ as opposed to the complex sentences prior marks a perspective shift. The reader is now within Arthur Kipps’ head, following his thought process, therefore feeling more connected to and interested in his character and what will happen to
