Vanessa Shockley
Author of Erotic Horror, Paranormal Perversions,
and Psychological Thrillers
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Edgar Allan Poe: A Stylistic Linguistic Analysis on Soundscapes
Vanessa Shockley • November 4, 2023
Soundscapes and Sensory Imagery
Edgar Allan Poe uses stylistic diction and sensory imagery to express terror and dread. “The Black Cat,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” and “The Pit and Pendulum” are three stories that contain brilliant diction that reinforces the gothic horror experienced by the characters. The stylistic choices made by Poe, coupled with diction and imagery, produce a profound, emotional effect, one experienced by both narrator and reader (Israel).
"No sooner had the reverberation of my blows sunk into silence, that I was answered by a voice from within the tomb."
- Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat
Poe’s “The Black Cat” twists the emotional turmoil of an alcoholic male and creates monstrous imagery (Civelek). Masterfully executed auditory impairments unearth the main character’s emotions of guilt and terror.
"During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day."
- Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher
Furthermore, Poe’s “The Pit and Pendulum” relies on sensory details to instill the despair experienced by the victim, generating urgency, luring the reader with anticipation. Through stylistic diction and sensory imagery, specifically auditory and visual, Poe invites readers to experience the terror through the narrator’s perspective.
And Now You Know ...
"The tall candles sank into nothingness…the blackness of darkness supervened."
- Edgar Allan Poe's The Pit and Pendulum
Works Cited
Civelek, Deniz. “The Detailed Analysis of the Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe in Stylistic Perspective.” Journal of Faculty of Letters / Edebiyat Fakultesi Dergisi, vol. 39, no. 1, June 2022, pp. 99–112. Duffy, Caitlin. “Sensory Overload and Poe’s Mechanics of Terror.” Poe Studies: History, Theory, Interpretation, vol. 52, 2019, pp. 69–90.
Poe, Edgar Allan. “The Black Cat.” The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Barnes & Noble, 2006. pp. 531-538.
---. “The Fall of House Usher.” The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Barnes & Noble, 2006. pp. 299-313.
---. “The Pit and Pendulum.” The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Barnes & Noble, 2006. pp. 443-454.
Weisheng, Tang. “Edgar Allan Poe’s Gothic Aesthetics of Things: Rereading ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’” Style, vol. 52, no. 3, Aug. 2018, pp. 287–301.
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My philosophy on coaching and mentoring is that everyone has a story to tell, and my role is to guide them through the process so they will write a story worth reading. The approach to coaching and mentoring that I will employ is honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. My role is to support someone with a story they feel compelled to tell. My passion for coaching, teaching, and mentoring others is one of my driving motives. I prefer the Socratic method of coaching, which works well with this role because the questions will prompt the writer to review the intent behind their choices. In addition, the questions aid the writer in considering alternative perspectives and ways to implement what they hope to achieve. The end goal is to guide the writer through the drafting process so that they finish a story. Virtual meetings provide a long-distance opportunity for a personal connection. In addition, my approach when working with others is establishing boundaries and building a healthy foundation to work efficiently together.