For 'The Fall of the House of Usher', it's the overall atmosphere. The decaying mansion, the sickly characters of Roderick and Madeline, and the sense of an inescapable doom. Poe builds up this feeling of dread that just keeps growing throughout the story. The very idea that the house is almost a living entity and that it will collapse, taking the characters with it, is very frightening.
In 'The Masque of the Red Death', Prince Prospero tries to escape the Red Death by secluding himself and his noble friends in an abbey. He throws a lavish masquerade ball. However, the Red Death still infiltrates the abbey in the form of a mysterious figure. It shows that no one can escape death, no matter how wealthy or powerful they are. The story is filled with Poe's characteristic dark and macabre atmosphere.
'The Raven' is often considered Edgar Allan Poe's most famous story. It's known for its dark and mysterious atmosphere.
In my opinion, 'The Fall of the House of Usher' is the most terrifying. The entire setting of the decaying, isolated house is filled with an inescapable sense of doom. The incestuous undertones and the strange relationship between Roderick and Madeline Usher add to the horror. And then, the way the house finally collapses, as if it were a living entity succumbing to some long - held curse, is truly a terrifying climax.
His use of atmosphere. In his stories like 'The Fall of the House of Usher', the gloomy and decaying setting creates an immediate sense of dread. It draws the reader in.
The narrator's insanity. He tries to convince us he's sane while doing such a heinous act.
Some of his most famous novels include 'The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket'.
Another well - known story is 'The Raven'. This poem - like story features a raven that continuously repeats 'Nevermore' and drives the narrator to despair. It has a very melancholic and spooky atmosphere.
Among his famous horror stories, 'The Fall of the House of Usher' stands out. The story's setting, an old, crumbling mansion, sets the stage for the horror. 'The Masque of the Red Death' is also notable. It uses the concept of a deadly plague and a party to create a sense of doom. And 'The Black Cat' is another popular one, dealing with themes of guilt and the supernatural.
Well, his famous horror stories are known for their intense and often disturbing imagery. Poe was a master at painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. Take 'The Tell - Tale Heart' for instance. The description of the old man's vulture - like eye is really creepy. Moreover, the themes of death and the afterlife are recurrent, adding to the horror feel.
'The Black Cat' is quite well - known. It deals with themes of guilt and the supernatural. The narrator's relationship with the cat and how it all turns into a nightmarish situation is very engaging. It's a story that shows Poe's ability to explore the darker aspects of the human psyche.