Gothic Themes in the Works of Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens

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Introduction

In the realm of classic literature, the Victorian era brought forth some of the most renowned writers of all time. Two such authors who left an indelible mark on the literary world are Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens. Both lived during the Victorian era, and their works continue to captivate readers with their mastery of gothic themes and storytelling. This essay delves into the backgrounds of these two prolific writers, analyzes the prevalence of gothic elements in their works, and explores the differences and similarities in their approach to storytelling.

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Edgar Allan Poe: A Mysterious Literary Genius

Edgar Allan Poe, born on January 19th, 1809, in Boston, was a multifaceted American writer known for his proficiency in short stories, poetry, criticism, and editing. However, it is his mastery of mystery and macabre writing that sets him apart as a literary genius. The atmosphere in Poe's tales of horror is unmatched in American fiction, and his influence on the genre is immeasurable.

Poe's early life was marked by hardship and tragedy. Following the death of his mother in 1811, he was taken in by John Allan, a Richmond merchant who may have been his godfather, and his childless wife. Poe received a classical education during his time in Scotland and England from 1815 to 1820, which continued in Richmond upon his return. However, Poe's gambling losses during his university years led to a rift with his guardian, who subsequently refused to fund his education. This setback forced Poe to return to Richmond, only to discover that his sweetheart, Elmira Royster, was engaged to another man.

Poe's career as a literary critic garnered him recognition, but his personal life was marred by alcoholism. He married his young cousin, Virginia Clemm, when she was just 13 years old, and despite their apparent affection for each other, his struggles with alcohol would prove to be a constant source of turmoil. Tragically, Virginia passed away in 1847.

Charles Dickens: A Champion of Social Justice

Charles Dickens, often regarded as one of the greatest writers of the Victorian era, is celebrated for his unflinching critique of social injustices, hypocrisies, and societal ills. Born into a middle-class family in Hampshire during the height of the Industrial Revolution, Dickens experienced financial hardships as a child, which left an indelible mark on his writing.

Dickens' characters, including the iconic Scrooge, David Copperfield, and Mr. Pickwick, have resonated with generations of readers due to their compelling portrayals and their exploration of complex human nature. In 1836, Dickens married Catherine Hogart, and together they had ten children.

Gothic Themes in the Works of Poe and Dickens

Both Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens delved into gothic literature, a genre characterized by its dark and mysterious themes. The term "gothic" itself has historical origins, originally referring to the Germanic tribes that clashed with the Roman Empire and later evolving into a broader term representing the medieval culture of the Dark Ages. In their works, both authors harnessed the gothic genre to create eerie atmospheres and explore the darker aspects of human nature.

"The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe: A Tale of Madness and Murder

In "The Tell-Tale Heart," Poe weaves a chilling narrative through the perspective of a nameless narrator. The story revolves around the narrator's delusional belief that they are not mad, despite their increasingly erratic behavior. The narrator obsessively recounts the murder of an old man and the meticulous burial of the body beneath the floorboards. When the police arrive to investigate, the narrator becomes convinced that they can hear the dead man's heart still beating, ultimately leading to their confession.

One prominent theme in "The Tell-Tale Heart" is madness. The narrator's relentless attempts to convince both themselves and the reader of their sanity serve as a central element of the story. The repetitive denials of madness and the narrator's insistence on their wisdom create a sense of unease and emphasize the theme of insanity.

Additionally, the story explores the vulnerability of the victim, an elderly man. The victim's age and powerlessness make him an easy target for the narrator's homicidal intentions. The murder plot is methodically planned, and Poe introduces a shocking twist at the end when the police officers are stunned by the narrator's confession.

"Confessions Found in a Prison" by Charles Dickens: A Tale of Greed and Guilt

In "Confessions Found in a Prison," Charles Dickens presents a narrative with its own gothic elements. The story centers on a murderer who confesses to his crime through a written account. Unlike Poe's tale, this story explores themes of greed and guilt.

The murderer in Dickens' story is motivated by greed and jealousy. His wife's affection for his nephew, whom she treats as her own child, triggers a deep-seated resentment. The child's resemblance to his mother, who the murderer believes did not like him, intensifies his jealousy and hatred.

Notably, the victim in "Confessions Found in a Prison" is a young child, and this stark contrast in age from Poe's story adds a layer of horror to the narrative. The killing of a helpless, innocent child is depicted as particularly horrific, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim.

Differences and Similarities in the Narratives

While both stories share common gothic themes, there are notable differences in their narratives that contribute to their unique impact on readers.

Motives to Kill:

In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the killer is haunted by what they perceive as the "evil eye of a vulture" possessed by the victim. Despite their fondness for the old man, this obsession compels them to commit murder.
In "Confessions Found in a Prison," the motives are rooted in greed and jealousy, driven by the murderer's resentment of his nephew's place in his wife's heart.

Victim's Age:

"The Tell-Tale Heart" features an elderly victim, highlighting the vulnerability of the aged.
"Confessions Found in a Prison" presents a young child as the victim, evoking a greater sense of horror and innocence lost.

Narrator's Gender:

The gender of the narrator in "The Tell-Tale Heart" remains undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to the story.
In "Confessions Found in a Prison," the narrator's gender is revealed as male, and the murderer is the child's uncle.

Confession and Consequences:

Both stories conclude with dramatic confessions by the murderers, and in both cases, the killers are ultimately apprehended.
The murderers' confessions serve as a testament to their inner turmoil and guilt, highlighting the emotional toll of their actions.

Conclusion

In the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens, the exploration of gothic themes takes center stage, offering readers a glimpse into the darker corners of human nature. While both authors delve into madness, murder, and vulnerability, they do so with distinctive narratives and motivations for their killers.

Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" is a masterclass in building suspense and psychological horror, with its unnamed narrator's relentless denial of madness and the haunting sound of the victim's heart. On the other hand, Dickens' "Confessions Found in a Prison" delves into themes of greed and jealousy, with a child as the tragic victim, evoking a different kind of horror.

Despite the differences in their narratives, both authors convey the message that the consequences of taking a human life are profound and inescapable. Murder, as depicted in their stories, leads to guilt, madness, and a reckoning with one's own actions. Through their gothic tales, Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens continue to captivate readers, inviting them to explore the darkest recesses of the human psyche.