1. Building Tension:
* Repeating key words or phrases: This can create a sense of foreboding, especially if the words have a negative connotation. Think of the repetition of "The Red Death" in Edgar Allan Poe's story, or the phrase "It was a dark and stormy night..." in countless suspense novels.
* Repeating actions or events: Repeating a particular action, like the protagonist checking the door multiple times, or the sound of a creaking floorboard, can heighten the reader's awareness and anticipation of something sinister.
* Repeating imagery or descriptions: By repeatedly describing a specific object or setting, the author can create a sense of unease or foreshadow impending danger. This might involve the repetition of descriptions of a dark forest, a flickering light, or an unsettling silence.
2. Establishing Rhythm and Pacing:
* Repeating sentence structure: A repetitive sentence structure can slow the pace of the story, creating a sense of anticipation and suspense. This is especially effective when used in conjunction with other techniques, like the repetition of a key word or phrase.
* Repeating sounds or words: The repetition of certain sounds, like the dripping of water or the ticking of a clock, can create an unsettling atmosphere and heighten the reader's anxiety. This is often referred to as onomatopoeia.
3. Emphasizing Importance:
* Repeating key details: The repetition of certain details, like the name of the villain or the location of the crime, emphasizes their significance to the plot and increases their impact on the reader.
4. Psychological Manipulation:
* Repetition of thoughts or fears: The repeated internalization of the character's anxieties and fears can mirror the reader's own feelings of unease, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
Examples in Literature:
* "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe: The narrator's constant repetition of "I heard it" and the escalating intensity of the ticking sound create a palpable sense of terror and suspense.
* "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: The repeated use of "Lottery" and the ritualistic nature of the event create a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere.
* "The Shining" by Stephen King: The constant repetition of the phrase "Redrum" (murder spelled backward) foreshadows the horror that unfolds and heightens the suspense.
Overall, repetition is a powerful tool for suspense writers. By carefully manipulating repetition, they can create a sense of tension, anticipation, and unease that keeps readers hooked until the very end.