Analysis and Themes WHistle and Ill Come to You

Beaconhouse School system
Cantt campus Lahore

Paper 2 - Fiction _ whistle and i’ll Come to you
Susan Hill uses language effectively in this story to

create a strong and eerie atmosphere. She draws on
sounds in particular to unsettle the reader and create an
unnerving sense of place. She uses a first-person
narrator in the form of Arthur Kipps, drawing the reader
in closer to the action. This increases the tension. The
ghostly setting of the deserted Eel Marsh House,
regularly cut off from the rest of the world by wild sea
frets, creates a vivid and spooky sense of place.
Setting the Scene: Gothic Tropes and Pathetic Fallacy
From the onset, we see classic Gothic elements effectively used to create a sense of
fear and dread. The setting in an old, isolated house amidst stormy weather is designed
to evoke a sense of foreboding.
The Use of Pathetic Fallacy
The weather in the extract mirrors the escalating fears of Arthur Kipps. As the storm
intensifies, so does Kipps' terror. The use of pathetic fallacy here is crucial; it creates an
ominous atmosphere and heightens the reader's sense of impending doom.
Isolation and Vulnerability
Through the simile describing the house as "a ship at sea," Hill underscores the
isolation and vulnerability of both the house and Arthur Kipps. The imagery evokes a
ship battered by a storm, emphasizing its precarious situation and, by extension, Kipps'
exposure to supernatural forces.
Language and Structural Techniques to Convey Fear
Susan Hill employs a variety of linguistic and structural techniques to instill fear and
convey Arthur Kipps' psychological transformation.
Violent Verbs and Plosive Sounds
The use of violent verbs like "battered" and "roaring," along with plosive sounds, adds to
the sense of jeopardy. These choices in language enhance the reader's perception of
Kipps’ precarious situation and mirror his growing anxiety.
Ghostly Sounds and Sensory Descriptions
Sounds play a critical role in creating a haunted atmosphere. Descriptions of "moaning"

and "whistling" contribute to the unsettling tone. Such sensory details draw the reader
into Kipps' world, filled with unseen threats and spectral figures.
Arthur Kipps: From Rational to Rationalizing Reality
Kipps starts as a rational and logical character, but his grip on reality loosens as the
narrative progresses.
Rational Thinking vs. Emotional Response

At the beginning of the extract, Kipps relies on logical reasoning to maintain control, as
shown in his reflection on the improbability of the house blowing away. His use of
probability and facts suggests his attempt to cling to a rational worldview.
Childhood Flashback: A Structural Technique
Hill uses a flashback to Kipps' childhood to afford him a moment of comfort amidst
chaos. The snug safety of his family home contrasts sharply with his current
vulnerability, emphasizing the psychological strain he endures. The sibilance in "snug
safety" draws attention to this fleeting sense of security, highlighting the drastic shift in
his circumstances.
The Encroaching Supernatural Influence
As the extract progresses, we see Kipps' rationality increasingly challenged by the

supernatural occurrences around him.
Non-Specific Nouns and Predatory Language
The use of non-specific nouns like "somewhere" and "somewhat" creates an unsettling
ambiguity, enhancing the sense of mystery. Predatory descriptions, such as the wind
raging "like a lion," further depict Kipps as under attack.
Transition to Emotional Language
Kipps' language begins to shift from logical to emotional, indicating his dwindling control.
He transitions from referencing facts to describing impressions and senses, signaling
his increasing reliance on intuition over reason.
Heightening Tension Through Structural Elements
Hill expertly uses structural techniques to build tension.
Passive Voice and Short Sentences
The passive voice in "he was catapulted back into the present" reflects Kipps' loss of
control. Shorter sentences such as "I listened hard. Nothing." create pauses that
heighten anticipation and tension.
Allusions and Repetitions
The reference to the wind like a banshee—a bad omen in folklore—creates a sense of
foreboding. Repetition of phrases related to the wind's violence and the child's cries
reinforce the relentless nature of the supernatural threat, increasing the reader’s
anxiety.
The Collapse of Rationality
As supernatural events continue to unfold, Kipps' rationality further deteriorates.
Contrasting Declaratives and Questions
Kipps' earlier declaratives like "There was no child; I knew that" starkly contrast with his
later rhetorical questions, illustrating his internal conflict and fading grasp on logic. His
plea of "rest in peace" to the spirit indicates his cognitive dissonance, acknowledging
the supernatural despite his initial disbelief.
Attempting Logical Explanations: Listing Facts
Kipps desperately maintains a rational approach by listing facts to discount the

supernatural. However, this method juxtaposes against his growing emotional
responses and admission of inexplicable occurrences, symbolizing his struggle.
The Symbolism of Darkness and Claustrophobia
The darkness symbolizes the unknown and accentuates Kipps’ fear. When the lights go
out, symbolism of the unknown skyrockets, and Kipps' vulnerability becomes palpable.
Narrow Corridor and Inexplicable Events
The short, narrow corridor entraps Kipps physically and metaphorically. The door of the
nursery, previously locked but now open, is an inexplicable event challenging his core
beliefs. The adverb "inexplicably" underscores his struggle to find a rational explanation.
The Turning Point: Abandoning Logic
At a turning point in the extract, Kipps' rational facade crumbles.
The Rhetorical Questions and Highly Emotive Language
The rhetorical questions signify his confusion and desperation. Kipps shifts entirely to
emotional language, marked by "weeping tears of despair and fear." His violent
reaction—drumming his fists on the floorboards in rage—shows a complete loss of
control, contrasting sharply with his initial logical demeanor.
Ominous Calm: The Role of the Dog
Kipps finds a semblance of calm when the dog stays close by, offering companionship.
However, this calm is ominous; it doesn't signal the end of his ordeal. The relentless
storm and the child’s repetitive cries leave readers with a looming sense of unease.
Ending with Unresolved Tension
The extract concludes without resolving the tension. Kipps remains trapped physically
and psychologically, and the relentless supernatural elements suggest that his ordeal is
far from over. This unresolved tension keeps the reader on edge, anticipating what
might come next.

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Beaconhouse School system

Cantt campus Lahore

Susan Hill uses language effectively in this story to

The Use of Pathetic Fallacy

Isolation and Vulnerability

Language and Structural Techniques to Convey Fear

Violent Verbs and Plosive Sounds

Ghostly Sounds and Sensory Descriptions

Sounds play a critical role in creating a haunted atmosphere. Descriptions of "moaning"

Arthur Kipps: From Rational to Rationalizing Reality

Rational Thinking vs. Emotional Response

Childhood Flashback: A Structural Technique

The Encroaching Supernatural Influence

As the extract progresses, we see Kipps' rationality increasingly challenged by the

Non-Specific Nouns and Predatory Language

Transition to Emotional Language

Heightening Tension Through Structural Elements

Hill expertly uses structural techniques to build tension.

Passive Voice and Short Sentences

Allusions and Repetitions

The Collapse of Rationality

As supernatural events continue to unfold, Kipps' rationality further deteriorates.

Contrasting Declaratives and Questions

Attempting Logical Explanations: Listing Facts

Kipps desperately maintains a rational approach by listing facts to discount the

The Symbolism of Darkness and Claustrophobia

Narrow Corridor and Inexplicable Events

The Turning Point: Abandoning Logic

At a turning point in the extract, Kipps' rational facade crumbles.

The Rhetorical Questions and Highly Emotive Language

Ending with Unresolved Tension

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