Dark Romaticism In Hop-Frog, By Edgar Allan Poe

Hop-Frog is a dark revenge story by Edgar Allan Poe, that perfectly captures human capacity of evil. In Dark Romaticism, the protagonists are similar to antagonists because they are all prone to sin. The “good guy” would have a dark side and capacity for evil. As such, The protagonist in Hop-Frog is portraited as cruel and inhumane as his nature. With that being said, All the characters malevolent motives and actions are indicative of the Dark Romantic Movement. Hop Frog and his friend Trippetta are protagonists as stated by the Narrator. They are vulnerable and innocence Dwarfs, who has tiny appearance compare to normal human being. Hop Frog and Trippetta are the victim who suffers in the tyranny system of slavery. The Narrator once noted …show more content…
They are evil to the core. Throughout the story, The king and Ministers have displayed their villainous and malicious behavior on Hop-Frog and his friend. Although, being the monarchs, they are supposed to be the great leader of the country. According to the Narrator “I believe the name ‘Hop-Frog’ was not that given to the dwarf by his sponsors at baptism, but it was conferred upon him, by general consent of the several ministers.” (Poe 1) . Hop-Frog is the only name given to the dwarf. More precisely, It was a joke by his Masters ( the king and ministers). By calling Hop-Frog, they would constantly ridicule the dwarf’s physical handicap and disadvantages. This is a fine example of the tyranny system of slavery, with the king and minister exert their malivolent behavior through their status and power. With Hop-Frog being a property to the monarchs, they can do whatever they want to the dwarf. The king and minister have the ability to abuse, sell and murder Hop-Frog. Trippetta is the second protagonist to be introduced. Trippetta is Hop-Frog best friend, who suffers the same fate as him. In spite of being appreciated and admired by the monarchs, this by no mean Trippetta has suffered less than her dwarf’s friend. According to the Narrator “He pushed her violently from him, and threw the contents of the brimming goblet in her face.” (Poe 4). This incident happens when Trippetta was begging for the king’s Mercy; His …show more content…
In this case, Hop-Frog will enact his revenge on the monarchs. At one point, the dwarfs can no longer take more abusive behavior in tyranny system of slavery, they would start to overthrow it. Another factor that pushed Hop-Frog is the love interest between him and Trippetta, their relationship is not simple friends. The King must have made Hop-Frog mad when he humiliate Trippetta. The dwarf makes his mind to take on the king and his men. His intention is to murder them in public. “the Eight Chained Ourang-Outangs, and it really is excellent sport if well enacted.” (Poe 4). Hop Frog proposes a game call Eight Chained Ourang-Outangs to The king. He will need a total of eight people, in which includes the king and seven minister. During the event, They will wear costumes of the Orangutan with chains and then scare off their guests. This is actually irony, because in the story Hop Frog has been the subject to ridicule and mockery at by the king and his men. By now, the Dwarf takes his turn to ridicule the wicked monarchs. The images of beast will fit them perfectly. The king and minister always wear their mask. They always pretend to be the influential figure in society, and they only show their capacity for evil to the dwarfs. When Hop Frog suggested the plan for next fetes to the king and ministers. They were totally convinced because they cannot hide their excitements. Hop