Edgar Allan Poe is widely regarded as a master of the gothic genre. Two of his most famous works, The Fall of the House of Usher and The Black Cat, both contain distinct gothic elements that set them apart from one another. Through setting, character development, and themes, Poe explores the dark and eerie underbelly of the human psyche and creates a lasting impact on the reader. The Fall of the House of Usher is a prime example of the gothic genre and its focus on setting. The story takes place in a gloomy and decaying mansion, which is described in great detail by the narrator. The house is described as being "a mansion of gloom" and "tottering upon the brink of a promontory," which serves to create a sense of foreboding and unease in the reader (The Fall of the House of Usher). Furthermore, the character of Roderick Usher is a prime example of gothic character development. He is described as a "melancholy and sickly man" who is driven mad by his own fears and phobias (The Fall of the House of Usher). These gothic elements serve to create a sense of suspense and foreboding in the reader, as they are left to wonder what will become of Roderick and the mansion. …show more content…
The story takes place in the similar setting of a dark and eerie house, which is described as a "prison". The main character is described as a man who is consumed by his own madness and cruelty, and he is haunted by the ghost of the black cat that he has killed (The Black Cat). The gothic elements in this story serve to create a sense of horror and terror, which shock and scare the reader. The man's descent into madness and his cruelty towards the black cat are meant to be disturbing, and they succeed in creating a feeling of unease in the