The first element used in Hatchet to
create suspense is foreshadowing. Paulsen consistently
gives clues of upcoming events. One of the first (and most obvious) examples is in the
first couple of chapters - the description of the pilot's pains in stomach, arm and
shoulder seem innocent at first but quickly become obvious signs of an impending heart
attack.
Another element used frequently is more on a
syntax level. (Use this word in middle school and your
teacher will be highly impressed. "Syntax" basically refers to sentence structure.)
Did you notice the frequent use of one word sentences? One line paragraphs? Repetition
of certain words? Paulsen does this to almost pulsate Brian's thoughts to us readers
like a heartbeat - he is using language to create a feeling in us that might mimick the
feelings Brian goes through during times of building fear. It puts the reader and Brian
in the same place at the same time - and helps the reader to share Brian's nerves and
fear.
Finally (if I remember right), doesn't the book
switch back and forth between present tense verbs and past tense verbs? The times when
the writing is in past tense are memories or flashbacks, used to build understanding of
Brian's character. Anytime a story is written in present
tense however, it is almost automatically for the purpose of creating
suspense. If we're hearing the story as it is happening, there is no sense that it all
works out in the end. When a story is told in past tense, we know the story teller
knows the ending (and we trust that it is a good one, why else would we listen to the
story?). Present tense however, keeps everyone in the dark as to what the outcome may
be. It is a difficult technique to do well. Paulsen obviously got it right. You know
you were hooked from the first chapter. We all were.
No comments:
Post a Comment