“The Signal-Man” is a gothic short story by Charles Dickens, first published in 1866. The narrative follows a signal man tasked with ensuring the safety of trains while haunted by a ghostly figure that appears near a danger light. The ghost repeatedly warns him, echoing the narrator’s own calls, which torments the signal man as he grapples with foreboding signs that seem to foreshadow disaster. Despite his efforts to understand and respond to these warnings, he ultimately faces a tragic fate, mirroring the spectral warnings he has witnessed. The story explores themes of responsibility, foreboding, and the interplay between reality and the supernatural, making it a haunting reflection on the pressures of duty and the fragility of life. It has inspired numerous adaptations in television, radio, and podcasts, reflecting its lasting impact.
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