The Pit and the Pendulum essays

The Pit and the Pendulum essays The Pit and the Pendulum is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe and uses themes such as the conflict between physical and mental aspects of the human body. Poe also uses religion as a major theme in this story. This story is perhaps one of Poes more popular works. Poe uses elements frequently repeated in his other stories. The Pit and the Pendulum combines elements of both the grotesque and the arabesque (Thompson). This is shown when the main character must use his mind to overcome his torturers when his physical capabilities have failed him. Though not one of Poes best works, it achieves its own place as a hair-raising short story. This story uses symbolism involving religion, such as, the hand of General Lasalle reaching down to save the man represents the hand of god saving a soul. When the cell is about to explode this represents the fire and brimstone of hell (Thompson). The Pit and the Pendulum also uses aspects of the struggle between the two states of consciousness (Burduck). The states are that of the grotesque, which is of the body, and the arabesque, that of the mind. Mostly, the story is told by a man with only mental capabilities because physical exertion proves impossible at times. This is shown when the man is attempting to determine the size of the cell when he faints because he was so physically drained. Much of the story is devoted to the conflict of these two consciousnesses. As the man tries to free himself, he must rely on his sometimes maddened mind (Burduck). This stroy shows us that mankind can achieve their goal through his intelligence, and succeed despite overwhelming odds. This is exemplified by showing the man with almost no chance of survival and must rely on his mind and will power to live, who eventually beats his oppressors. I believe that this story shows that if we have faith in being rescued and a strong will to triumph ove...

Free Essays on Titern Abbey

worth attempts to compare... Free Essays on Titern Abbey Free Essays on Titern Abbey Analysis of â€Å"Tintern Abbey† Whereas most individuals tend to see nature as a playhouse that should alter and self-destruct to their every need, William Wordsworth had a very different view. Wordsworth perceived nature as a sanctuary where his views of life, love, and his creator were eventually altered forever. The intensity of Wordsworth’s passion for nature elevated him from a boy into the inspiring man and poet in which he is recognized to be today. One of the most compelling works Wordsworth ever devised was that of â€Å" Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey.† The poem enlightens the reader on the awesome power and depth of nature, which Wordsworth has discovered in his trials and tribulations upon the earth. Thus, to full understand the significance of nature in all lives told through â€Å" Lines Composed A few Miles Above Tintern Abbey† one must understand the setting and mood, as well as comprehend the rhyme scheme, and use of many diverse poetic devices that interact wit hin the poem the poem. One is able to gain insight into â€Å"Lines Composed a Few Lines Above Tintern Abbey† by first trying to understand the mood and setting of the poem. Although it â€Å"is a miniature of the long poem Wordsworth never quite wrote† (Robyn Young p.409) it lacked nothing as far as depth and intensity goes. Wordsworth was very skilled in such areas, although his writing may be come very complex it is said that it was a result of â€Å"the spontaneous overflow of emotion† (Gale Net). Wordsworth wrote this poem, as cited by Wordsworth without â€Å" any part of it was written down till I reached Bristol† (F.W. Bateson p.191). Wordsworth was a firm believer that man should â€Å"find an immanent force that unites them with their physical and spiritual environments† (Jan Shoemaker p.1). As Wordsworth revisits this beloved place of his (Tintern Abbey) he is reminded of how he once perceived this sanctuary. Wordsworth attempts to compare...