How does Poe's use of diction set a gloomy tone?

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2002

Answers

A rambling, excited escalation in obessive repetitions with very reduced descriptive words. The poems, in the absence of flowery detail, are dark and conversational rather than descriptive. Repetition usually adds to the descent into gloom and horror, even onomatopeia mournful sounds like waves, downbeats, sibilant s's and certain sounds ending in r. Punctuated by exclamations of rage or despair tinged with horror.

Even nature is described in grand detail combining agoraphobic or claustrophobic exagerrations that combine mystery with vertigo. That's a mouthful, isn't it? The singsong repetition therefore moves one along these lines psychologically in a way that the rhythmic "Hiawatha" of Longfellow never does, and quickly brings one past a climax of internal drama.

-- Anonymous, May 30, 2002