The boy, Joseph, in Susan Hill's The Woman in Black tragically dies after being pursued by the titular Woman in Black.
Here's a breakdown of the events:
- The Woman in Black's Arrival: The Woman in Black arrives at the village of Crythin Gifford, where she terrorizes the inhabitants and specifically targets children.
- Joseph's Encounter: Joseph, a young boy, encounters the Woman in Black near the Eel Marsh House.
- The Chase: The Woman in Black chases Joseph, who is eventually found dead near the Eel Marsh House.
- Cause of Death: The exact cause of Joseph's death remains unclear. It is heavily implied that he died of fright or possibly a heart attack brought on by the Woman in Black's haunting presence.
The death of Joseph serves as a crucial plot point in the story, as it highlights the Woman in Black's sinister nature and her ability to inflict death on innocent children. It also foreshadows the danger that the protagonist, Arthur Kipps, faces as he investigates the mysteries surrounding the Eel Marsh House and the Woman in Black.
