In horror and mystery novels, writers often use suspense to keep readers glued to their books. August Heat is a story by W.F. Harvey is a story that will keep the reader in suspense. The story centers around James Clarence. On a seemingly random day, he finds both a gravestone for him and a drawing that matches exactly. W.F. is featured throughout the tale. Harvey uses gothic fiction to create suspense. For example, he makes the reader doubt the story by using the uncanny.
The story is heavily influenced by the uncanny. James Clarence drew a picture in his head that he constantly sees of a prisoner. He notices the man that he drew in a monumental mason’s office and is suddenly struck with a sense of deja-vu. The reader is able to sense the tension of this unusual encounter because the man smiled at him and greeted it as if they were old friends (67-68). It is unclear how the characters met, and the feeling of surprise for the main character remains even after they have tried to figure out the possible ways that they might have met. The uncanny’s suspense is a unique presence in the story.
As well as creating suspense, mystery is used in the story. The main character draws a mysterious image from his mind, which creates a mystery in the setting. He calls the drawing “the best [he] ever did” and that he encounters the exact same person and gravestone that depicts him is also a mystery (1-24). The drawing creates a mystery as the reader wonders what the man was thinking when he drew an image of someone being sent to prison. The reader is left in suspense as he knows the true intentions of the man and wonders how he will do it.
W.F. Harvey uses foreshadowing in his story to create suspense. He does this through gravestones and drawings. The reader knows that James’ first sketch is the reason why the man he meets in the story will be a criminal. He should take caution. James describes the drawing of the man as conveying “a feeling of utter absolute collapse, not horror” (31-32). The description makes the readers wonder whether the man they meet is a thief and that he’ll eventually catch him. It is revealed that the gravestone has an inscription “Sacred to James Clarence Withencroft”, which clearly indicates that he is going to die on that day. (100-110). James foolishly accepts to stay in the man’s place for a day, leading to his death that day.
August Heat is a story by W.F. Harvey creates a sense of suspense in his story by using mystery, premonition, and an uncanny sensation. These are felt throughout, from the gravestone to the man with the drawing. This suspense will keep you reading to the end, and amazed at what happened that day.
GrabMyEssay helps with economics essay by offering professional guidance and support throughout the writing process. Their team of experienced writers and economists possesses in-depth knowledge of economic principles, enabling them to craft well-structured and insightful essays.
