The Pit and the Pendulum

 
 
"The Pit and the Pendulum" is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe and uses themes such as the conflict between physical and mental aspects of the human body. Poe also uses religion as a major theme in this story. This story is perhaps one of Poe's more popular works. Poe uses elements frequently repeated in his other stories. "The Pit and the Pendulum" combines elements of both the grotesque and the arabesque (Thompson). This is shown when the main character must use his mind to overcome his torturers when his physical capabilities have failed him. Though not one of Poe's best works, it achieves its own place as a hair-raising short story. Thi
 
 


As the man tries to free himself, he must rely on his sometimes maddened mind (Burduck). s story uses symbolism involving religion, such as, the hand of General Lasalle reaching down to save the man represents the hand of god saving a soul. As he would be trying to think of something his mind would go blank and he couldn't think. Eventually, he has to use his intelligence which overcomes his persecutors and he achieves his goal, freedom. This stroy shows us that mankind can achieve their goal through his intelligence, and succeed despite overwhelming odds. This story was a tug of war between the mental and physical facilities that the man possessed. I believe that this story shows that if we have faith in being rescued and a strong will to triumph over unfavorable odds, then success is possible. Mostly, the story is told by a man with only mental capabilities because physical exertion proves impossible at times. This is shown when the man is attempting to determine the size of the cell when he faints because he was so physically drained. Much of the story is devoted to the conflict of these two consciousnesses. This is exemplified by showing the man with almost no chance of survival and must rely on his mind and will power to live, who eventually beats his oppressors. By using elements of religion and parts involving psychological torture Poe made this story very interesting. Additionally, as he was attempting to do something physically, he would faint or become unconscious. Such as using the Father Time machine to represent that the man's time was running out. "The Pit and the Pendulum" also uses aspects of the struggle between the two states of consciousness (Burduck). Some topics in this essay:
Pit Pendulum, Allan Poe, pit pendulum, story story, short story,
 
   
Approximate Word count = 442
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)
 
 
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