“Tell—Tale Heart”
Edgar Allan Poe
The title emits the impression that the “heart” symbolizes the telling of a tale throughout the short story. Being familiar with the author’s works, I have perceived an idea of the story’s theme. During my high school years, I had the honor of being a part of a play in one of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat.” There is numerous similarity on both works. Namely, the theme and plot-of which the body was hidden behind the wall, in this story: the floor.
In one’s heart lures a darkness that overpowers reason and conscience. Some works, the heart symbolizes life and love. The case of the “Tell-Tale Heart,” the beating heart symbolizes the beating conscience that “tells” on the perpetrator to confess the truth about his murderous acts.
In addition, I have enjoyed immensely reading the story. The journey that the main character takes, the dark path that he has taken to achieve something that has long bothered his senses, but slowly eats away his conscience-it inadvertently or indirectly gives light to the demons in our heads. The monsters in our heads that leads one away from what is pure and right.
One part of our life, we may have named an antagonist in our own personal story. Someone that bothers and irritates us immensely. One may have thought, “I wish he/she would die. My life would be much happier.” If not all, some may have been guilty of murdering someone or something in our heads that would lead to the lifting of burden or stress in our own lives.
The emission of pain, stress and suffering may be on top of other’s list. Thus, we muffle the sounds of negativity and hate. But try as we may, thunderous sound of anguish and fear follows. Vices in ourselves and of others are inevitable in our imperfect lives.
Edgar Allan Poe’s “Tell-Tale Heart” is a masterpiece that breathes the darkness that constantly beats in our hearts. Indeed, I would definitely recommend this, along with "The Black Cat" and "The Raven," to peers and acquaintances.
No comments:
Post a Comment