The Pit And The Pendulum By Edgar Allan Poe

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"The Pit and the Pendulum" is a classic horror story written by Edgar Allan Poe in 1842. It tells the story of an unnamed narrator who is condemned to death and then subjected to various tortures within a dungeon. The story begins with the narrator in a dark and mysterious prison cell, which contains a deep pit in the center and a swinging pendulum above it. As the pendulum slowly descends towards him, the narrator’s fear and anxiety grow. He is then subjected to other tortures, such as rats, fire, and even the threat of starvation. In the climax, he is saved by a mysterious figure, ending with the narrator's feelings of relief and gratitude. Poe’s implication throughout the story is that no matter how insurmountable the odds, fear and despair …show more content…

The narrator does undergo changes in his perception and understanding of his situation, but these changes are largely driven by external factors such as his physical torture and the discovery of the French army. He does not undergo a significant change in his personality or worldview. One example of the narrator's changing perception can be seen when he is first thrown into the pit. One of the most important symbols in the story is the pit itself, and this quote, “In the confusion attending my fall, I did not immediately apprehend a somewhat startling circumstance,” (Poe, para. 9) represents the unknown depths of the narrator's situation. It is a symbol of the fear and despair that he feels as he faces the unknown horrors that await him. The pit is described as a bottomless chasm, which can be interpreted as a representation of the unknown and the terrifying. The narrator's descent into the pit can be seen as a descent into his own subconscious, where he confronts his deepest fears and anxieties. At this point in the story, he is consumed by fear and despair, and his thoughts revolve around his impending death. However, as he begins to explore his surroundings and develop a plan for escape, his perception begins to shift. He becomes more analytical and strategic in his …show more content…

The narrator is put through a series of horrific trials, but he manages to overcome each one through his determination and resourcefulness. The pit is a powerful image that represents the unknown depths of the human mind and the mysteries of life and death. The pendulum serves as a powerful symbol of the inevitability of death and the finite nature of life, while the static nature of the main character emphasizes the theme that no matter how insurmountable the odds, courage, resilience, and hope can overcome even the direst of circumstances. The story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ability to survive even in the direst of