Edgar Allan Poe Discussion Forum
 Edgar Allan Poe Discussion Forum
First, identify and discuss Gothic/Dark Romantic elements in Poe’s writing by citing a specific example from one of the assigned stories. Then, discuss which story was most memorable or interesting for you, and why. Have seen or read anything more modern that is reminiscent of any of this week’s stories? Finally, address any one of the bulleted points below in your main response.
In “Masque of the Red Death,” how does socio-economic status affect one’s encounter with the Red Death? How is the idea of time (such as the hourly striking of the clock) important to the story? How might this story be relevant today?
Look carefully at the first paragraph of “The Fall of the House of Usher.” What dominant moods or feelings does it conjure? How does it do this–what specific words, phrases, or details contribute to the tone? Do these feelings truly emanate from the house itself or simply from the narrator’s perception of it? Explain, citing specific evidence from the text.
What do you think Montresor’s motivation is for killing Fortunato in “The Cask of Amontillado”? What do you think Montresor means in the 1st paragraph of the story by “the thousand injuries” and “insult”? How does Poe motivate the behavior of Montresor? Does the story provide any hints as to the “thousand injuries” he has suffered? Are any hints necessary?
