AN ANALYSIS OF TENSION BUILDING THROUGH FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN ANNABELLE: CREATION

Abstract

This study explores the use of figurative language as a narrative device to build tension in the horror film Annabelle: Creation. Horror films are not only driven by visual and auditory elements but also rely heavily on linguistic expressions to evoke fear, anxiety, and suspense in the audience. Figurative language—such as metaphor, personification, simile, and hyperbole—plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and emotional undertones of the film. By employing a descriptive qualitative approach, this research identifies and analyzes instances of figurative language found in the film’s dialogue, narration, and visual cues.

The findings demonstrate that figurative expressions are strategically used during key moments of fear and suspense. For example, metaphors transform ordinary settings into menacing spaces, while personification brings life to inanimate objects, such as the haunted doll, thereby intensifying the psychological impact on viewers. Hyperbole exaggerates emotional and physical responses, heightening the sense of danger, and similes offer vivid comparisons that amplify the eerie mood. These devices function not merely as stylistic embellishments but as integral tools for creating narrative tension and maintaining the viewer's engagement.

Moreover, the study reveals that figurative language often works in tandem with cinematic elements like sound, lighting, and camera movement, creating a layered and immersive experience. The analysis contributes to the field of stylistic and film analysis by showing how language enhances horror aesthetics and psychological manipulation. It also encourages further interdisciplinary studies between linguistics, literature, and film studies, particularly within the context of genre-based storytelling. The results highlight the importance of language in visual media and its potential in shaping audience perception and emotional response.