Scott A. Wicker Jr.

Mrs. Pritchard
English 2
10 October 2015

Dark Romanticism Literary Analysis

Throughout the existence of written language there has been the presence of symbolism,
tone, figurative language, and imagery. Great authors such as Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel
Hawthorne were masters at manipulating these four arts to make an entirely new genre known
as Dark Romanticism, which focused on the effects of psychological guilt and sin and
mankind's proneness to self- destruction. The best method for a Dark Romantic poem or short
story to evoke an emotional response from the reader is the use of figurative language and
intense visual imagery.
The use of figures of speech is exceedingly beneficial in order to add an alternate
meaning behind the text as was frequently done by the authors of these Dark Romantic
documents. An apparent example from a Poem written by Hawthornes titled The Ocean, The
ocean has its silent caves, deep, quiet and alone; Though there be fury on the waves beneath
them there is none. This quote is cluttered with personification and metaphors. The motion of
the waves is being compared and contrasted with the emotions of human beings as they are
changing and unpredictable as waves rising and crashing into each other: without any rhythm or
control.

Every instance of imagery within these pieces of literature is vivid and dramatic, as it is
described in grueling detail. Imagery, in addition to being used to increase the quality of the
story, is also used as a great introduction for symbolism. Symbolism and imagery fit together
like two pieces in a puzzle; they combine to create a symbiotic relationship in which they both
benefit from the use of one another. The relationship between imagery and symbolism can be
altered to acquire the dark tone the author wants to portray. As written by Poe, No pestilence
had ever been so fatal, or so hideous. Blood was its Avator and its seal the redness and the
horror of blood (Poe 1). This example provides an intense image that depicts a horrific scene
that helps build upon the symbolism of the blood being the host of bubonic plague, therefore;
there is no way to eliminate the illness, when what you would have to kill is the very source of
your life.
The third art constantly used by Great authors is considered to be Symbolism. Symbolism
is adherently present the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne as they both use it
to improve the overall quality of the document. It allows the reader to relate to the document on a
personal level as they can allow their perception of the piece to hold a specific meaning to them,
therefore; making the piece more valuable. As an example, It was about dusk, one evening
during the supreme madness of the carnival season, that I encountered my friend.(Poe 1). The
supreme madness not only implies foreshadowing as to what is about to happen to Fortunato
but also symbolizes the madness of the within the narrators mind.
Analyzing this symbolism and understanding the authors perception and point of view
can allow the reader to understand the tone and theme. Romantic poems are built upon a general
theme that usually correlates to the narrators psychological deterioration under the influence of
evil, grief, or sadness. However, tone varies between poems, as it is how the author feels. For

example, in The Ocean by Nathaniel Hawthorne the tone is calm as he is expressing that for
the sailors who have lost their lives at sea, there is peace in death.
Using each literary device, Hawthorne and Poe were able become great literary artist.
Their methods allowed readers to insert themselves into the plot of their poems and embrace the
actual meaning of their writing. From Dark romanticism, writing help to elicit an emotional
response from the reader that no other method of writing could do. None of this would be
possible with the cohesion of the different literary devices to formulate the perfect balance of
intense visual imagery and figurative language.

Works Cited Page

Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "The Ocean." PoemHunter
. PoemHunter.com. Web. 2 Oct. 2015. Poe, Edgar Allan. "The Cask of Amontillado."
Poemuseum . Richmond Garden Trail. Web. 2 Oct.
2015.
Poe, Edgar Allan. "The Masque of the Red Death." Poemuseum
. Richmond Garden Trail. Web. 2
Oct. 2015