The attempts from Gaskell to create strong feelings in the reader is very successful. One way this is done is through the contrast in the description of the black shadow and the white snow. The stark contrast between "black" and "white" is significant as they both carry symbolic meaning. "Black" is often associated with danger and even death, compared to white which represents purity and innocence. By placing opposing images next to each other the writer suggests that the "black shadow" is threatening the pure snow. This suggests the looming threat over Rosamond, successfully placing this here the writer evokes strong feelings of fear in the reader as Rosamond could be in danger. Alternatively, the contrast between black and white could highlight uncertainty. Just as black and white shift between dominance this could symbolize Hester's own fear and doubt. Another way this is done is by the contrast in Rosamond's description and the description of the harsh wind. The weather is described as "bitter cold; so cold". The adjective "bitter" suggests something sharp and painful. It evokes a sense of strong physical discomfort which is further built in the repetition of "cold" which suggests how unbearable the cold is. The second use of "cold" is used to reinforce the idea of the first sentence. The alliteration of harsh "c" sound creates a strong auditory image that is similar to teeth chattering. This makes the reader "hear" the cold adding to the intensity of the weather. This evokes strong feelings of empathy in the reader as the nurse is vulnerable to the snow.
This emotion is further evoked in the reader as we learn that a feeble child had to endure the harsh weather. Strong feelings are also evoked through the discovery of a weak and feeble Rosamond. The use of the crippled "oo" in "cold and stiff". The adjective "so still" suggests a lack of life.an idea that Rosamond is being described as not moving which conveys the idea of death. The adjective, "white" suggests a lack of colour. In contrast to life which is meant to be full of colour white suggests an absence of it hinting at death. The repetition of "and" serves to build up each trait of Rosamond building tension with each word. This creates strong feelings of suspense in the reader as we don't know whether Rosamond is alive or not. This is demonstrated in the phrase "and at last, oh!" The exclamation marks conveys the release of all the emotional weight. "bond at last" suggests that the journey is finally over. This creates a strong sense of relief over the reader as we are assured of Rosamond's health. The extract ends with the arrival of Rosamond in a safe environment as suggested by the phrase, "her warm bed." The contrast from the cold environment Rosamond was just in to the warm one provides relief for the reader as we are assured of her safety. The "warm" invokes an image of heat and comfort, things that go together to create a feeling of security. This creates feelings of relief in the reader
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