Tell Tale Heart Romanticism

In The Cask of Amontillado and The Tell-Tale Heart, Poe showcases a unique style of writing, rendering exceptional pieces of literature. Both stories are within the genres of horror and romanticism, however, Poe does not conform to these genres, as they were in the 19th century. Poe branches out of romanticism, and with horror, he developed gothic romanticism and pioneered psychological horror. Poe believed that art and literature were the most realistic and accurate depiction of individual human nature. Deviating from romanticism, which would have focused on external depictions of horror, he concentrated on internal depictions of the human mind which reveal a character’s internal struggle and therefore make his depictions more realistic and stylishly accurate. Therefore, the accuracy in his depictions of people reveals the inner workings of the human mind and his outlook on them. Poe’s precise and intricate use of narrative and diction examines the psychological elements of human nature, thereby creating the new genre of gothic romanticism.

Poe’s narrative style was unconventional as seen when describing the character’s environment in The Tell-Tale Heart. Poe uses first person narrative as a mean of revealing the character’s psyche. He also indirectly and

Poe did not create these genres, but popularized them. These genres showed a darker aspect of romanticism and focused more on the human psyche rather than just the evil itself, which gave the stories a new dimension. In both texts, Poe uses narration and dictation to showcase both genres. Poe does this to show how literature is a truer reflection of the human psyche than logic. He made his characters realistic, even though they were dark and evil. Poe developed the two genres, which, through narrative and diction, in-turn discuss human nature and how humans