An analysis of the angle of narration in the tales of Edgar Allan Poe

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1957

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The choice of angle of narration is, according to modern critics, vitally important for the effective writing of short fiction. Edgar Allan Poe was a master of the short story, and he fornm- lated principles of technique which only nov are becoming fully appreciated. This thesis contends that Poe's use of angles of narration was greatly advanced for his time, and that his careful consideration and masterful application of the principles of perspective has influenced modem techniques of short fiction. Poets tales are written almost exclusively from first person angles in which the narrator is either the protagonist of the story or a witness to the story. An analysis of these tales in the light of contemporary thought on the subject of viewpoint in narration reveals brilliant solutions of the problems of perspective and indicates Poe's contribution to the development of this aspect of the short story.

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