19th Century American Literature and You Tube Video

19th Century American Literature

Edgar Allan Poe’s “A Tell-Tale Heart” was written in 1843. The tone of the story is very dark, and Poe creates suspense in the story. For example, he writes, “TRUE!—nervous—very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad? The disease had sharpened my senses --not destroyed --not dulled them” (Poe). The use of the words "nervous" and "disease" creates drama and gains the reader’s attention. The You-Tube video of Poe’s “A Tell-Tale Heart” is a recreation that would have never been possible in 1843, when Poe wrote the story. With the use of technology, the story is given new life to students whom may never have been exposed to Edgar Allan Poe’s mysterious and engaging writing. By using a video that can be accessed online, teachers can present students with Edgar Allan Poe’s story, paired with a video that is just as mysterious and psychologically thrilling. In this particular video, the actors and environment imitate the look and feel of the actors and environment that would have been in the story in 1843. This gives a realistic feel to the story being told, however, there are many modern looking videos that are just as appealing.




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