One of the main characteristics is the use of gloomy and often claustrophobic settings. For example, in 'The Fall of the House of Usher', the decaying mansion is a key element. The characters in his Gothic fiction are often on the brink of madness, like Roderick Usher. Poe also uses elements of the supernatural, such as the appearance of the dead or unexplained phenomena, which adds to the sense of horror and mystery in his stories.
One of the striking aspects of Poe's gothic short stories is his use of unreliable narrators. In 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's sanity is in question as he tries to convince the reader of his innocence while clearly showing signs of madness. His stories are full of suspense and unexpected twists, which keep the readers on the edge of their seats.
The main elements that set Poe's gothic horror stories apart are their intense atmosphere of mystery and suspense, complex and tormented characters, and vivid descriptions of macabre settings.
I think 'The Masque of the Red Death' stands out. It combines elements of horror and symbolism in a really compelling way. Different stories appeal to different people, though, so it's subjective.
Edgar Allan Poe chose to write Gothic fiction because he was fascinated by the unknown and the macabre. He wanted to create a sense of unease and horror in his readers, as well as challenge societal norms and conventions of the time.
Edgar Allan Poe chose to write Gothic stories mainly because of his penchant for the mysterious and the disturbing. It gave him the platform to delve into the hidden corners of the human psyche and present a different perspective on life. His works often reflect his own experiences and observations, filtered through the Gothic genre to make a lasting impact.
Personally, I would consider 'The Black Cat' among the best. It shows Poe's exploration of the dark side of human nature. The narrator's increasing cruelty towards his pet cat, and the way the cat seems to haunt him even after its death, is a disturbing yet engaging exploration of guilt and the supernatural.
One of the best is 'The Tell - Tale Heart'. It's a short story that delves deep into the mind of a narrator who is clearly insane. The way Poe builds the tension through the narrator's paranoia about the old man's 'vulture - like' eye is masterful. It's a great example of Poe's ability to create a disturbing and engaging psychological horror.