Compare and contrast the ways in which Dickens and Hardy use superstitious beliefs and supernatural elements to present and develop their main characters in their social settings and local environment

... Compare and contrast the ways in which Dickens and Hardy use superstitious beliefs and supernatural elements to present and develop their main characters in their social settings and local environment Paul Jannece "Halloa, below there!"- this straightforward and seemingly innocuous introduction to the stranger, who becomes entangled within the complexities of the signalman's eventful life, is one that we have heard several times throughout the tale. Dickens has, however, over the course of the story, altered the significance of this line. At the commencement of the story, the manner in which this exclamation is received may lead the reader to believe that the signalman is, in fact, the spectre. But we later learn that it is the spirit himself that will use this line. By repeating the same three words, Dickens has imprinted them in our minds and therefore enabled us to see the irony of them when reflecting upon the happenings

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