Analysis Of Edgar Allen Poe s The Cask - 1563 Words

Blaine Bowman Mrs. McKay American Literature 10 November, 2015 Gothic Elements in Poe’s Captivating Stories Edgar Allen Poe can be described as a master of gothic literature. Poe enjoyed incorporating the gothic theme into his stories (â€Å"The Cask† 52). The free dictionary website describes gothicism as a style in fictional literature characterized by gloomy settings, violent or grotesque action, and a mood of decay, degeneration, and decadence. Edgar Allen Poe experienced many failures and disappointments throughout the course of his life. The deaths of many loved ones, most of whom died from The Red Death, or Tuberculosis as he called it, inspired him to create both gloomy and frightening stories. Poe s life started out very†¦show more content†¦Poe s The Fall of the House of Usher is a prime illustration of a Gothic horror story† (â€Å"The Fall† 51). The main characters of this short story are Roderick and Madeline Usher. They both have gloomy appearances and are ghastly looking. Roderick and Madeline s appearances are both elements that contribute to th e overall gothic effect of the story. The setting that Poe used to open up the story creates a â€Å"mood of decay.† Poe describes the day as monotonous, gloomy, dusky, and silent with clouds hanging low in the sky as though they were depressed. The house’s walls were desolate and bare, as were the windows. Dead and decaying trees were found throughout the Usher’s yard. This particular setting added a sense of dreariness to the story. Another example of the gothic theme in this short story is included in the description of the Usher house. The house was referred to as a mansion of gloom. From the narrator’s first glance at the Usher family home he had a feeling of â€Å"insufferable gloom† that diffused throughout his being. The Usher’s home aroused feelings of uncertainty and terror inside of the narrator’s conscience. Poe incorporates the gothic theme by adding an implied sense of seclusion and an unclear vision of where the mansion is actually located (55). Many critics call this story a gothic nightmare. This horrific story is one of