A fascinating aspect of well-written literature is that it provides the reader with a mental image of the events and scenery that are portrayed within the text. There are various techniques by which an author can achieve such a reaction from the reader, but overall these methods fall under a category that can be deemed as the use of imagery. Edgar Allan Poe has been acclaimed for his exceptional word choice and his successful use of imagery to enhance his works. Both “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Pit and the Pendulum” effectively demonstrate two distinct methods by which Poe has managed to achieve vivid impressions. To begin, in “The Tell-Tale Heart” Poe uses image patterns to supplement his remarkable use of diction. This serves as an emphasis
…show more content…
He says, “He had the eye of a vulture –a pale blue eye, with film over it” (“Heart” 1). This initial introduction to the old man’s eye comes across as rather simple, but the comparison to that of a vulture already begins to make the reader subconsciously attempt to conjure up an indication of what the eye of a vulture might look like in regards to the likeness of the old man. The speaker …show more content…
Setting is a key component of most literary works, and in some cases, the setting is an exceptionally crucial element. The setting within “The Pit and the Pendulum” is very mysterious, yet being able to picture the place in which the speaker is contained and the events that transpire within are vital to the plot. Thus, Poe writes thorough descriptions and uses several comparisons to make his story successful at creating a mental image. To clarify, the speaker describes his primary reaction to his environment as follows: “The blackness of eternal night encompassed me. I struggled for breath. The intensity of the darkness seemed to oppress and stifle me. The atmosphere was intolerably close” (“Pit” 2). Instead of simply stating that it was too dark to see, Poe adds emotions to his words in a way that provoke the reader to relate to the speaker’s feelings. This particular excerpt urges the reader to call upon personal experiences in which they may have felt the same way to not only make the story more personal and meaningful but also make it easier to visualize exactly what the speaker is going through. In continuation, this lack of the use of sight makes the description of both sound and touch more valuable. For instance, when the speaker is trying to explore the chamber of his containment, despite the absence of a light source, he trips and falls.
He says, “He had the eye of a vulture –a pale blue eye, with film over it” (“Heart” 1). This initial introduction to the old man’s eye comes across as rather simple, but the comparison to that of a vulture already begins to make the reader subconsciously attempt to conjure up an indication of what the eye of a vulture might look like in regards to the likeness of the old man. The speaker …show more content…
Setting is a key component of most literary works, and in some cases, the setting is an exceptionally crucial element. The setting within “The Pit and the Pendulum” is very mysterious, yet being able to picture the place in which the speaker is contained and the events that transpire within are vital to the plot. Thus, Poe writes thorough descriptions and uses several comparisons to make his story successful at creating a mental image. To clarify, the speaker describes his primary reaction to his environment as follows: “The blackness of eternal night encompassed me. I struggled for breath. The intensity of the darkness seemed to oppress and stifle me. The atmosphere was intolerably close” (“Pit” 2). Instead of simply stating that it was too dark to see, Poe adds emotions to his words in a way that provoke the reader to relate to the speaker’s feelings. This particular excerpt urges the reader to call upon personal experiences in which they may have felt the same way to not only make the story more personal and meaningful but also make it easier to visualize exactly what the speaker is going through. In continuation, this lack of the use of sight makes the description of both sound and touch more valuable. For instance, when the speaker is trying to explore the chamber of his containment, despite the absence of a light source, he trips and falls.