How does Dahl create suspense in “The Landlady?” Explain. (pick two different methods)

Question

OR

Which element had the biggest impact on the text in creating suspense? Why? Use two examples from

Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences/conclusions drawn from the text.

2. Determine and analyze the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices and sentence structures on meaning and tone,

3. Analyze how differences in the point of view of characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) creates such effects as suspense or humor.

Answer 1

In Roald Dahl's "The Landlady," suspense is expertly constructed through two key methods: meticulous foreshadowing and the use of an unreliable narrator. These techniques work together to create an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, ultimately leading to the story’s chilling conclusion.

Method 1: Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is a critical technique that Dahl employs to build suspense throughout the narrative. Early in the story, the protagonist, Billy, notes the peculiarities of the boarding house, which includes the odd smell and the strangely preserved taxidermy animals. For example, Dahl writes, “It was a taxidermist’s shop, of sorts. The stray cat, for instance, had a look that was almost too alive.” This early detail hints at something unnatural and unsettling, prompting readers to question the safety of Billy's choice to stay there. The unsettling nature of the taxidermy serves as a foreshadowing device that creates a sense of dread, making readers anxious about the implications of what lies ahead.

Method 2: Unreliable Narrator

Dahl also taps into the suspenseful element of an unreliable narrator through Billy's perception of the landlady. As Billy interacts with her, he is charmed by her apparent hospitality and odd quirks. However, as readers, we pick up on her unsettling behavior, creating a tension between what Billy perceives and the underlying threat that the audience senses. For instance, when the landlady says, “You’re the first fella I’ve had in here for years,” it strikes readers as both innocent and ominous, suggesting that Billy’s fate is sealed in this seemingly innocuous boarding house. The gap between Billy's understanding and what the audience knows deepens the suspense, leaving us anxious about what is yet to unfold.

Analysis of Word Choice and Tone

Dahl’s careful choice of words contributes significantly to the story's tone. Phrases like "odd smell," "strange," and "too alive" provoke a sense of discomfort and eeriness. The simple, almost whimsical style contrasts sharply with the underlying tension, enhancing the suspense. The lighthearted tone of Billy's initial impressions is undercut by the stark imagery connected to the landlady and her home, crafting a dual perspective that keeps readers on edge.

Point of View and Dramatic Irony

The use of point of view in “The Landlady” also creates dramatic irony, which amplifies suspense. The reader sees the situation from Billy's perspective, yet possesses knowledge about the potential danger he is unaware of. For example, when Billy notices the names of previous guests in the guestbook, the audience understands the grim fate that these individuals likely faced, while Billy remains oblivious. This disparity between what Billy knows and what the audience understands builds a level of unease; readers are left to wonder how long it will take for Billy to connect the dots, increasing the tension till the story’s climax.

In conclusion, Dahl's effective use of foreshadowing and an unreliable narrator cultivates an atmosphere of suspense in "The Landlady." Coupled with his impactful word choices and the dynamics of point of view, these elements create a chillingly captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged and anxious, right up to the concluding revelation.