DISTORTIONS, HALLUCINATIONS AND AFFECTATION OF REALITY

AN APPROACH TO POE’S TECHNIQUES AS A CREATOR OF AN OPPRESIVE ATMOSPHERE

Abstract

Distortions, hallucinations and affectation of reality are one of the most powerful weapons an author can use. As we shall see, the effects multiply when that writer is Edgar Allan Poe. On the other hand, or in addition, there is hardly something that can delight more than reading Poe. Our common thread is the use (or the absence) of details and sound imagery (repetitions, silences...) Besides, we must bear in mind the effects of sound on his productions as integrated in the horror genre and how experiencing them or ignoring this effect alters singularly the impact on the readers. In fact, Poe, as well as being an exceptional conductor in terms of suspense, is a master of sound effects.