Narrative characterization as expressed in Edgar Allan Poe’s The narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue”, and “The Purloined Letter” Many readers have read the thrilling mysteries of Poe. From adventures at sea as in The narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket to detective works such as “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” and “The Purloined Letter”. All of these mysteries have the sense of mystery and excitement but they have different styles of narrative characterization and plot. When closely examined these differences are what seem to make these stories such a thrill to read it is also what makes them so entirely different from one another. First, In The Narrative of Arthur Gorgon Pym of Nantucket Poe takes the story of a young man Arthur and his friend Augustus and turns it into this absolutely thrilling mystery adventure at sea that includes mutiny, stowaways, and surprising alliances. Told as a diary of their time aboard the ship it is highly episodic in the way that all the adventures have been related. Though the abrupt ending has left the many …show more content…
When Dupin and the narrator gain access to a gruesome double murder due to Dupin’s connections. Upon his examination of the crime scene Dupin is able to determine that the murderer is an orangutan. Once the animal’s owner is detained Dupin then begins to explain how he came to determine the truth. The narrator of this story goes unnamed which adds to the mystery of this thrilling mystery. (Short stories Vol.34) Poe’s uses this nameless narrator as a way to connect the reader to the case. His use of character is different in this story as well since he uses many different characters such as civilians, detectives, and an orangutan. This story is told in a first person narrative where the reader can place him/ herself in the place of the