Edgar Allan Poe is a very intricate author. His literary works are perplexed, disturbing, and even grotesque. However, there is a reason for Poe's seemingly problematic, and sometimes-shifted view on reality. His frequent illnesses may have provoked his engrossment in such things. In 1842 Dr. John W. Francis diagnosed Poe with sympathetic heart trouble as well as brain congestion. He also noted Poe's inability to withstand stimulants such as drugs and alcohol, based upon a genetic disorder (Phillips 1508). Poe knew of his genetic tendency toward alcohol. Poe's father was supposed to have degenerated from consumption and his brother died from tuberculosis aggravated by alcohol. Poe was warned about his genetic disposition towards alcoholism by his cousin William Poe, who "viewed alcohol as the curse of the Poes" (Wagenknecht 31). This disease, along with other factors may have motivated him to write "The Tell-Tale-Heart," "The Cask of Amontillado," and "The Black Cat." All of these stories are written in or around 1843, shortly after Poe became afflicted. His writing helped him to cope with his troubles and explore new territory in literature. Poe's interest in the supernatural, retribution, and perverse cause them to be included in his burial motifs; therefore, sustaining his interest. There is a common thread laced through each subject, but there is variation in degrees of the impact.
             The supernatural is the phenomena of the unexplained. With this comes an aura of mystery and arousal of fear. Death in itself is the supreme mystery. No living human being can be certain of what happens to the soul when one dies. It is because of this uncertainty that many fear death. These types of perplexing questions cause a reader to come to a point of indifference within one of Poe's burial motifs. One is uncertain of how the events can unfold, because a greater force dictates them. Reincarnation in "The B...