this extract is from salem's lot by stephen king:
"
-Every now and then – Danny went on eerily -when some ringmeat little kid comes out after dark, it comes flapping out of the trees, the face all putrid and covered with quicksand…
-Danny, come on.
His little brother’s voice held real pleading, and Danny stopped. He had almost scared himself. The trees were dark, bulking presences all around them, moving slowly in the night breeze, rubbing together, and creaking in their joints.
Another branch snapped off to their left.
Danny suddenly wished they had gone by the road.
Another branch snapped.
-Danny, I’m scared- Ralphie whispered.
-Don’t be stupid – Danny said. -Come on.
They started to walk again. Their feet crackled in the pine needles. Danny told himself that he didn’t hear any branches snapping. He didn’t hear anything except them. Blood thudded in his temples. His hands were cold. Count steps, he told himself. We’ll beat Jointner avenue two hundred steps. And when we come back we’ll go by the road, so ringmeat won’t be scared. In just a minute we’ll see the street lights and feel stupid but it will be good to feel stupid so count steps. One… two… three…
"
what techniques does the writer use here to describe the woods as an uninviting and dangerous place? analyse and explain, 3-5 paragraphs.
Stephen King has used vivid imagery and descriptive language to create an atmosphere of fear and danger in the woods in this scene from "Salem's Lot". The use of sensory details, such as the creaking and rubbing of the trees, and the sound of snapping branches, creates an uncanny and unsettling atmosphere, suggesting that something dangerous is lurking in the darkness. The simile comparing the dark trees to "bulking presences" emphasizes their imposing size and reinforces the sense that they are something to be feared.
The use of dialogue between the two brothers is another effective technique for creating tension. By having Danny talk about the "ringmeat little kid" that comes out after dark, the writer is able to imply that there is a supernatural threat present without explicitly stating it. The response from Ralphie, who is clearly scared, makes this fear more palpable for the reader. Additionally, Danny's desperate attempt to count steps and regain control over the situation highlights how terrifying these woods are, and how helpless the boys feel in the face of the unknown.
Furthermore, the writer uses a metaphor of the boys feeling "stupid" to show how irrational fear can be. Despite knowing intellectually that there is likely nothing to be scared of in the woods, the sense of danger and the possibility of the unknown has taken over, making them feel foolish and vulnerable. This adds to the overall atmosphere of danger and foreboding.
Overall, King has used a combination of sensory details, dialogue, and figurative language to create a sense of unease and danger in the woods. The reader is left with the impression that something supernatural and potentially deadly is lurking just out of sight. The use of these techniques are fundamental to making a scene so spine-tingling, and a Stephen King thriller so captivating.
In this extract from "Salem's Lot" by Stephen King, the writer effectively employs various techniques to portray the woods as an uninviting and dangerous place. One such technique is the use of vivid and grotesque imagery. The protagonist, Danny, describes how the face of a mysterious figure coming out of the woods is "putrid and covered with quicksand." This description creates a sense of repulsion and fear, emphasizing the foreboding nature of the surroundings.
Furthermore, King employs sensory details to build a menacing atmosphere. He describes the trees as "dark, bulking presences," evoking an image of their imposing and intimidating nature. By emphasizing their slow movement, rubbing together, and creaking in their joints, King amplifies the eerie and unnatural vibe of the woods. This use of personification adds an element of malevolence to the environment, making it feel alive and potentially threatening.
The writer also utilizes dialogue and internal thoughts to convey the characters' emotions and heighten the sense of danger. Danny's little brother, Ralphie, pleads with him, indicating his fear and discomfort in the woods. Danny's dismissive response - "Don't be stupid" - further emphasizes the menacing atmosphere, highlighting their vulnerability and the potential perils they may face.
Additionally, King incorporates repetition of certain sounds to enhance the sense of suspense. The snapping of branches is mentioned multiple times, creating a rhythm of foreboding, suggesting something lurking and closing in on the characters. The cracking of their footsteps in the pine needles serves as a constant reminder of their movement in this eerie environment, further intensifying the tension.
Overall, Stephen King effectively utilizes vivid imagery, sensory details, dialogue, internal thoughts, and repetition to describe the woods as an uninviting and dangerous place. By combining these techniques, he successfully creates an atmosphere of fear, setting the tone for the ominous events to come in the story.