The Powerful Use of Tone in John Colliers The Chaser :: John Collier The Chaser

The Powerful character of Tone in John pitmans The Chaser Alan Austen, as nervous as a kitten, went up certain dark and feeble stairs in the neighborhood of Pell Street . . . From the in truth outset of John Colliers The Chaser, the protagonist, Mr. Austen, appears to be actu altogethery apprehensive. While it may seem that a young s archaiciery who is venturing into a strange experient mans house to buy some sort of distinguish potion is actually quite fearless, it is made clear through Colliers use of feeling that Alan is anything but brave. Interestingly, while his situation pertaining to his sweetheart, Diana, never changes, Alan is so interpreted with the old mans words (which are really nobody more than a gross r eveningue pitch) that he actually allows himself to let down his guard and be taken advantage of. Collier drastically alters Alans demeanor over the course of his shortened visit in fact, by the end of the story, Colliers use of tone has changed he who was on ce nervous as a kitten into a man overwhelmed with joy. He achieves this transition through his physical descriptions of Austen, as well as Austens own words, and his fading skepticism surrounding the old man and his goods. The very first line of the book provides the most powerful and captivating kitchen stove of Austen nervous as a kitten, slowly walking up creaky stairs, peering about for a long time on the dim landing. Collier is creating a clear sense of apprehension right away. This makes the contrast all the more striking when Mr. Austen relaxes later on. For now, he is very nervous. He pushed stretch the door, as he had been told to do, Collier writes. This gives the impression that had Austen not been instructed to open the door, he may have just taken the opportunity to turn around and head home. It is clear that Austen is not really sure if he even wants to enter the tiny apartment, let alone do illegal course with the complete stranger inside. Nevertheless, he cont inues on, as if driven by necessity. in one case inside, his attitude begins to change quite rapidly. Though his initial apprehension is evidence by his stuttering and his incomplete sentences, this quickly evolves into a keen interest, almost an infatuation, with the old mans goods. While he tries to avoid discussion of the poisons (I want nothing of the sort, he states with an ironic air of finality,) he is consumed with the powers of the love potion.