Essay Questions

How is the structure significant in this short story?

The structure of this story reflects the narrator's descent into madness. At first, the narrator seems reasonable and philosophical. He uses technical terms and seems to be intelligent. However, soon his account descends into chaos as he talks about the nature of the perverse. The narrator then admits that he is currently in prison and that he has committed murder. While describing his actions, the pace becomes quicker and chaotic. Eventually, the story seems to be the account of a madman and is dramatically different structurally to the beginning of the story.

How does Poe use an unreliable narrator in this story?

Poe's narrator is incredibly unreliable, which is a common theme in his work. He at first depicts himself as being reasonable and intelligent, proposing a philosophical theory about human nature. Later, he admits that he is actually in prison after committing murder. He says that he purposefully lied: "Had I not been thus prolix, you might either have misunderstood me altogether or, with the rabble, have fancied me mad." As the story continues and the narrator gives his account of the murder, we discover that he is well and truly mad.

How is the "Imp of the Perverse" seen in Poe's other works?

We see that many of Poe's other unreliable narrators have given into the temptations of the imp. This includes the narrator in "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Black Cat," who are both murderers.