1. Atmosphere and Setting:
* Mysterious and Eerie Locations: Stevenson often sets his stories in remote, atmospheric locations that contribute to a sense of unease. Think of the desolate, fog-shrouded moors of "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" or the eerie, tropical island in "Treasure Island."
* Darkness and Shadows: Stevenson frequently employs darkness and shadows to create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty. The lurking shadows in the streets of London in "Jekyll and Hyde" or the dark interiors of the Hispaniola in "Treasure Island" amplify the suspense.
* Sound and Silence: Stevenson uses sound and silence effectively to heighten tension. The creaking floorboards in a haunted house, the distant howl of the wind, or the sudden, unsettling silence can all be potent tools for building suspense.
2. Character and Conflict:
* Moral Ambiguity and Inner Conflict: Stevenson's characters often grapple with internal conflicts, moral dilemmas, and the struggle between good and evil. The internal turmoil of Dr. Jekyll, the conflicting desires of Jim Hawkins, and the clash between greed and loyalty in "Treasure Island" all contribute to the inherent tension within these stories.
* Unreliable Narrators: Stevenson sometimes utilizes unreliable narrators, creating a sense of doubt and confusion in the reader's mind. This ambiguity can raise questions about the true nature of events and heighten the sense of suspense.
* Hidden Identities and Secrets: The presence of secrets, hidden identities, and the anticipation of revelation are key elements in creating tension. The mystery surrounding Mr. Hyde in "Jekyll and Hyde" and the secret map in "Treasure Island" keep readers guessing and eager to uncover the truth.
3. Plot Devices:
* Suspenseful Pacing: Stevenson skillfully paces his stories, using slow build-ups and sudden twists to maintain a steady level of tension. He masterfully employs cliffhangers and moments of high drama to keep readers engaged and on the edge of their seats.
* Delayed Gratification: Stevenson is a master of withholding information, creating a sense of anticipation and building tension as the reader slowly pieces together the clues. The gradual revelation of the treasure map in "Treasure Island" or the unraveling of the truth about Mr. Hyde in "Jekyll and Hyde" are prime examples.
* The Supernatural and the Unknown: Stevenson often incorporates elements of the supernatural, such as ghosts, curses, and otherworldly forces, to heighten the suspense and create a sense of fear and unease. The spectral appearances in "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" or the eerie atmosphere of "The Isle of Voices" are just a few examples of his use of the supernatural.
By deftly combining these techniques, Stevenson masterfully crafts stories that grip readers from the first page to the last, leaving a lasting impression of suspense and intrigue.