The theme of Evil in Edgar Allan Poe'e Fiction

Edgar Allan Poe’s fiction is marked by an intricate exploration of evil, manifesting in psychological torment, moral decay, and supernatural horror. This article examines the theme of evil in Poe’s short stories, focusing on its psychological, philosophical, and symbolic dimensions. Through an analysis of key texts, including “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Black Cat,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” this study demonstrates how Poe presents evil as an intrinsic element of human nature, often driven by obsession, guilt, and madness. The discussion incorporates perspectives from literary criticism and philosophical inquiries into the nature of evil, shedding light on Poe’s lasting influence on Gothic and horror literature.