How does Roald Dahl create suspense in 'Poison'?

He often uses unexpected twists. For example, in some stories, he starts with a seemingly ordinary situation like a person traveling and then suddenly something very strange happens.

Roald Dahl creates suspense in 'The Landlady' in multiple ways. First, he sets the scene in a rather quiet and lonely boarding house. The landlady's eagerness to have the young man stay is a bit too much. Then, as the story progresses, little details like the fact that the previous guests never left and the strange smell in the house all add to the suspense. The reader starts to suspect that something is not right, but Dahl keeps the real danger just out of reach, making us keep reading to find out.

He creates suspense in multiple ways. Firstly, there's the repeated pattern of Mr. Foster being late. Each time he makes them late, the reader anticipates that something bad will happen. Also, the description of Mrs. Foster's growing anxiety as she waits for her husband builds suspense. And when she finally leaves for the airport and the discovery of her husband trapped in the lift is left as a cliffhanger for a while, that really keeps the reader on edge.

Dahl uses vivid descriptions. For example, in some stories, he describes the settings in great detail. Dark, creaky old houses with strange noises and shadows are common. This immediately sets a spooky mood.

One of the key themes in 'Poison' is the exploration of human vulnerability. The character is completely immobilized by the thought of the poison. Dahl shows how easily a man can be reduced to a state of helplessness, both physically and mentally, when faced with a perceived threat of death from poison.

In 'Poison', Dahl creates a tense and gripping story. The use of a single setting, like the bedroom, intensifies the claustrophobic feeling. The main character's fear of the supposed poison under his skin is palpable. The story shows Dahl's talent for building suspense, as we keep wondering what will happen to the character with the 'poison' inside him.

Dahl may use the local animals in his descriptions. The presence of wild animals like lions or elephants can add to the atmosphere. Their behaviors and the threat they pose can create a feeling of unease or excitement. He might also describe the sounds and smells of Africa, which all contribute to the overall atmosphere.

His writing style is very vivid. For example, in many stories, he describes characters and settings in great detail, making them come alive in the reader's mind.

He uses the element of the unknown. For example, he might describe a dark room where the character hears a strange noise but can't see what's making it. This makes the reader wonder and be on edge.

Roald Dahl often gives his characters very distinct quirks. For example, in 'The Landlady', the landlady has this overly friendly yet very creepy demeanor. Her fixation on taxidermy and her strange behavior towards her guests make her a unique and memorable character.