This term paper deals with Edgar Allan Poe´s short stories "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-Tale Heart", which are both examples of men who give in to a strange inner force which Poe himself calls "perverseness".
His notion of this term is explicitly used in what could be called his "short-story-essay": "The Imp of the Perverse".
First of all it is neccessary to explain what Poe meant by this certain force, apart and beyond the ordinary understanding of "perverseness".
After that his two tales of terror mentioned above will be compared according to their common themes.
First a short summary of each will be given, followed by the point-of-view-technique Poe uses for a certain purpose.
Then the victims of the stories and the narrators´ causes of fear will be explored. Both tales obviously deal with the causes of domestic violence that occur as the result of an irrational fear (either superstition or ancient belief).
Then both protagonists will be characterized as perverse criminals who give in to their dark side and annihilate themselves.
Furthermore there´s a discussion of narrative style and images and the ending of the stories.
At last especially "The Black Cat" is explored considering its content of truth.
So the reader may see that Poe gave us two little masterpieces in human psychology to think about: The "spirit of perverseness" is lurking in everybody...
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. About Perverseness
- II. "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Black Cat" in comparison
- (1) Summary of "The Black Cat"
- (2) Summary of "The Tell-Tale Heart"
- (3) Point of View
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore Edgar Allan Poe's concept of "perverseness" as depicted in his short stories "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-Tale Heart," comparing their common themes and narrative techniques. It examines Poe's understanding of perverseness beyond its conventional meaning and analyzes how this concept manifests in the actions and psychology of the protagonists.
- Poe's concept of "perverseness" and its psychological implications.
- Comparison of narrative techniques and point-of-view in "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-Tale Heart."
- Analysis of the protagonists' motivations and descent into violence.
- Exploration of the role of guilt, fear, and self-destruction in Poe's tales.
- Examination of the narrative style and imagery used to create suspense and horror.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. About Perverseness: This chapter introduces Poe's concept of "perverseness" as a primal instinct driving self-destruction, distinct from conventional notions of morality or perversion. Poe's exploration of this impulse transcends traditional moral judgments, focusing instead on its inherent nature within human behavior. The chapter uses Poe's essay "The Imp of the Perverse" to illustrate this concept, emphasizing the irresistible urge to act against one's own best interests, even with full knowledge of the negative consequences. This irrational drive is presented as a fundamental aspect of human nature, exceeding rational understanding and societal norms. The chapter establishes the framework for understanding the actions of the protagonists in the following analyses of "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-Tale Heart."
II. "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Black Cat" in comparison: This chapter provides a comparative analysis of Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Black Cat," focusing on their shared exploration of perverseness. The chapter begins with individual summaries of each story. In "The Black Cat," the narrator's descent into cruelty and violence is meticulously detailed, illustrating how the "spirit of perverseness" fuels his actions leading to the murder of his wife. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator's obsessive fear of the old man's eye drives him to murder, highlighting the uncontrollable nature of his perverse impulse. The chapter then examines Poe's use of first-person narration, emphasizing how this technique enhances the reader's engagement with the protagonists' disturbed psyches and creates a more intense experience of horror. The comparison highlights how both stories demonstrate the destructive consequences of unchecked perverse impulses and the ultimate self-annihilation of the perpetrators.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Edgar Allan Poe, perverseness, self-destruction, "The Black Cat," "The Tell-Tale Heart," narrative techniques, first-person narration, psychological horror, guilt, violence, irrationality, domestic violence, crime, morality.
Edgar Allan Poe's "Perverseness": A Comparative Analysis of "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-Tale Heart" - FAQ
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper explores Edgar Allan Poe's concept of "perverseness" as presented in his short stories "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-Tale Heart." It compares their common themes and narrative techniques, analyzing Poe's understanding of perverseness and how it manifests in the protagonists' actions and psychology.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include Poe's concept of "perverseness" and its psychological implications; a comparison of narrative techniques and point-of-view in "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-Tale Heart"; analysis of the protagonists' motivations and descent into violence; the role of guilt, fear, and self-destruction; and the narrative style and imagery used to create suspense and horror.
How does the paper define "perverseness"?
The paper introduces Poe's concept of "perverseness" as a primal instinct driving self-destruction, distinct from conventional morality or perversion. It's presented as an irresistible urge to act against one's self-interest, even knowing the negative consequences, exceeding rational understanding and societal norms.
What is the significance of "The Imp of the Perverse"?
Poe's essay "The Imp of the Perverse" is used to illustrate the concept of perverseness, highlighting the irrational drive to act against one's own best interests.
How are "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-Tale Heart" compared?
The paper provides a comparative analysis of both stories, focusing on their shared exploration of perverseness. It details the narrators' descent into cruelty and violence, highlighting how the "spirit of perverseness" fuels their actions leading to murder. The use of first-person narration and its impact on the reader's experience is also examined.
What narrative techniques are analyzed?
The paper analyzes Poe's use of first-person narration in both stories, emphasizing how this technique enhances the reader's engagement with the protagonists' disturbed psyches and creates a more intense experience of horror.
What are the key takeaways regarding the protagonists?
Both stories demonstrate the destructive consequences of unchecked perverse impulses and the ultimate self-annihilation of the perpetrators. The analysis explores the protagonists' motivations and their descent into violence, driven by irrational impulses.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Edgar Allan Poe, perverseness, self-destruction, "The Black Cat," "The Tell-Tale Heart," narrative techniques, first-person narration, psychological horror, guilt, violence, irrationality, domestic violence, crime, and morality.
What is included in the provided language preview?
The preview includes the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
- Quote paper
- Anja Einhorn (Author), 2002, Perverseness in Poe: The Tell-Tale Heart and Black Cat, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/5692
