Question

critical appreciation of a face in the dark

Answer 1

The title of the short-story 'the face in the dark' is appropriate. The story is very short where the writer symbolises the horror among the readers. This short-story is a good source for the children as it ends with a suspense which makes the reader more enthusiastic.

Answer 2

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The short story by Ruskin bond, on one level can bebread as a paranormal one with the faceless boy and watchman as two ghostly faces haunting the protagonist Mr. Oliver. On a deeper level, it can be read as unraveling the mysteries of human experience. Ruskin Bond believed than no matter how rational a person is, there is always an element of superstition in his mental makeup.

Though it is said that about Oliver that he is not " a nervous or imaginative man" yet it is possible that out if his fear, anxiety, or loneliness he might really be imagining some strange things. It is ironical that Oliver gets to see the "face in dark", and when the torch light falls on the boy he is rendered faceless without any nose, mouth , eyes, or ears. It can be inferred that human beings, like Oliver experience bliss in ignorance. Till the time he is not aware of reality, he has concern for the boy. A moment later, the strange scene frightens him and he runs to save his life. Ruskin Bond's stories generally have revelation of many moments of loneliness and anxiety. It can also be read in a way that Oliver bring a bachelor is lonely and needs company but all he gets is "faceless faces". It might be possible that Oliver is looking for friends or family but is not able to find them.

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Hope it helps you Mate