The Signal-Man

'The Signal-Man' is a short story written by Charles Dickens and first published in 1866. The story follows an unnamed narrator who meets a signal-man working at a railway station. The signal-man is haunted by a series of mysterious events, including the appearance of a ghostly figure warning him of impending danger on the tracks.
Dickens creates a dark and eerie atmosphere in the story, drawing on the Gothic tradition to build suspense and tension. The signal-man is portrayed as a lonely and isolated figure, trapped in his small signal box and haunted by the ghostly apparition. The narrator is initially skeptical of the signal-man's claims, but is eventually drawn into the mystery and begins to experience the strange events for himself.
The story is notable for its use of foreshadowing and symbolism, as well as its exploration of the themes of isolation, madness, and the supernatural. Dickens' skillful use of language and vivid descriptions create a haunting and unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the story has ended.
Overall, 'The Signal-Man' is a masterful example of Dickens' storytelling prowess and continues to captivate readers over a century after its initial publication.