Edgar Allen Poe's influence on writers and readers alike cannot be overstated. His innovative approach to writing revolutionized not just the horror genre, but literature at large. His darkly symbolic works fit perfectly into the horror genre, causing readers to feel anxiety, fear and a sense of the otherworldly. His ability to explore the human psyche and inspire subsequent generations of horror writers still has a powerful impact today. Edgar Allen Poe is widely known for his works of psychological terror, often characterized by themes of death, madness, and the supernatural. In his work, Poe repeatedly employs a variety of techniques to create a sense of dread and unease in his readers. Through the use of gothic and surreal imagery, he is able to evoke feelings of terror and unease in his readers. His stories often feature protagonists who are struggling to make sense of their surroundings, often in the face of supernatural or inexplicable events. …show more content…
His use of the gothic literary style in his works, such as "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Fall of the House of Usher," has been cited by C Sun in "English Language Teaching" as a major factor in the development of horror literature (2015). Poe's use of dark and unsettling imagery, combined with a brooding atmosphere and a theme of death, anxiety and dread, created a perfect platform for the horror genre to be built upon. His works often explored the psychological elements of fear, allowing readers to experience the emotions of the characters and understand the terror they faced. This enabled readers to develop a deep understanding and connection with the characters and the stories, and made Poe's works highly influential in horror literature. The impact of Poe's gothic themes and motifs can still be seen in modern horror literature today, making him one of the most important figures in the