Illustration Series, ch. 2 beginning

The series of illustraions that start off the second chapter of the book are not neccessarily a huge part of the story's plot, but definitely of its meaning. Hugo starts out just entering through the metal vent into the wall of the train station. From that first picture, Hugo is always moving in the ones that follow. Selznick build suspense with the images of Hugo running through his "playground", a close-up of his shoe, him winding up the strairs, around corners, and beginning to open a door. The reader's viewing range zooms in and out, as Hugo gets closer to his destination. Suspense is building until finally we find him in front of this mysterious door, not knowing what lies behind it.  All of the pictures are very dark, getting even darker the closer he gets to the door. This series of pictures provokes anxiety in the reader, awaiting what comes next. I believe it is part of connecting to the reader, and trying to make them feel the rush that Hugo feels as he hurries through his tasks as commander of the clocks.