Poe's Guidelines For Short Stories

Edgar Allan Poe was a writer who used strict personal guidelines for writing short stories. "The Fall of the House of Usher" is an excellent example in which three of his guidelines are quite evident- telling a story in the first person, beginning at the beginning, and using unity of effect. For instance, the story is told in the first person narrator. Also "The Fall of the House of Usher" starts at the true beginning of these events without any preliminary incidents or background. Furthermore, the story is based around the single effect of terror. These three characteristics hold true during the entire story.

For example, "The Fall of the House of Usher" is told by a narrator. It is explained by the narrator. The narrator experienced the events firsthand. By explaining the event this way; the reader is able to identify with the "I" in the story. The narrator relives these events for the reader and gives them a sense of immediacy. In order to do this the narrator must describe these events in detail. "I have been passing alone, on a dreary

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tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher"(234). Such details as these told in first person portray the emotional experience of the narrator. As a result the reader can experience the emotions along with the narrator. Therefore the reader can imagine the events with the feelings the author desires. Stories told in first person help the reader to understand the story on a personal level.

Along with the story being told in first person a short story must begin at the beginning. Proper order is necessary. By avoiding bouncing around in time, Poe does not lose the readers attention. In some short stories a historical background could be needed. If some is needed, Poe works it into the story rather then slowing you down at the beginning. Therefore the reader would not have to research any material to understand the topic. The most important reason why a story should start at the beginning is so that it will flow. A flowing story is told in chronological order. Beginning at the true start of a story may not seem very important, but it along with other writing guidelines, it can make a story come together.