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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page essay that explicates 3 works by Poe. Nineteenth century American author Edgar Allan Poe is known for his tales of Gothic horror. A frequent theme that underscores the frightening aspects of many of his narratives is the fact that his protagonists are insane. The theme of insanity underscores the horror in these works, and, frequently, causes the reader to question the reality presented in the narrative. Did it happen; was it real: or were the events depicted simply the frenzied imagination of someone tortured by insanity? The writer discusses Fall of the House of Usher, Hop-Frog and The Raven. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khinspoe.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
The theme of insanity underscores the horror in these works, and, frequently, causes the reader to question the reality presented in the narrative. Did it happen; was it real; or
were the events depicted simply the frenzied imagination of someone tortured by insanity? This factor is particularly evident in Poes short story "The Fall of the House of Usher," in
which an unnamed narrator visits the ancestral home of childhood friend, Roderick Usher, in order to offer what aid he can in combating a mental disorder. As the narrator approaches
the house, he describes it in detail and how the gloomy appearance of the mansion causes him to feel an "utter depression of soul," so severe that it reminds the
narrator of what it feels like to come back to reality after taking opium ("Usher"). Roderick relates to the narrator that he is suffering from a severe "acuteness of the
senses" and practically everything, every sound, every degree of light, etc., is pure torture for him ("Usher"). Likewise, his sister, Madeline, is suffering from a mental disorder, a "settled
apathy" ("Usher"). Poe emphasizes Rodericks escalating fear and insanity as his sister grows progressively weaker and is believed to have died. It is Rodericks fear that kills him when she
manages to resurrect herself momentarily from her entombment before falling dead upon her brother, causing his death also. The house itself cracks open as the narrator leaves, and comes crashing
down. However, as Poe clearly indicates in the opening that the narrator has taken opium, intimating that he is addicted since he seems well aware of its effects and after-effects,
the reader is left wonder if the story was real or merely an opium-dream of the narrator and his altered consciousness. Either alternative is equally chilling, as this would indicate
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