by Michael Grantham

Created on: August 13, 2007

Most often recognized for the use of the dark and shadowy elements of the Macabre, Edgar Allan Poe was a leader in the American Romantic Movement and though, only having lived a short life of forty years, his contributions to romanticism, horror, mystery and literature as a whole, are many. However, much like the life of the eighteenth century poet, gothic fiction writer, essayist, literary critic and playwright, Poe's works have become over shadowed by controversy and marred by criticism. As a result of the misunderstanding and misconception surrounding both Poe and his works, it is often difficult to identify the true purpose and philosophical or ideological foundation underpinning the historical author's often disturbing tales of mystery, madness and mayhem. Therefore, by examining one of Poe's short stories the tell tale heart' this essay aims to analyze the literary themes and concepts used throughout in an attempt to gain a more objective perception of this highly vexed author's work.

Cleary written as if by the protagonist himself, the tell tale heart's effectiveness as a short story is strengthened through the first person narrative. Furthermore, this also enables a more clear representation of the underlying plot. However, like many of Poe's workings, the use of the narrative is fundamental in delivering the theme as more than just a simple under tone or atmosphere; rather than being passive, the reader gains an insight into the mind of the main character. Thus, readers are able to transcend the common barriers existent between the author and their own perception of the antagonist. Through this literary methodology, the theme reflected appears as if to be a human experience not to be understood, but rather, gained by the reader (Brooks, 1971)

Eloquently wording both the thoughts as well as the actions of the primary protagonist, the reader is quick to realize that this individual is quite clearly mad, insane or suffering from a delusional state of mind. The representation of madness is reflected immediately through the opening paragraph, which reads, "True nervous very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad? The disease had sharpened my senses not destroyed not dulled them" (Poe, 1842) as sited in (Madden, 2006, p.81). Through such clear and unambiguous portrayal, Poe is able to avoid possible plot and or character confusion (MHS, 2007). Furthermore, with a large element of this story having been structured around

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>