Why is The Tell-Tale Heart a Gothic horror story?

The Tell-Tale Heart, authored by Edgar Allan Poe, can indeed be classified as a Gothic horror story based on its distinct characteristics. Here are several reasons that support its Gothic nature:

Atmospheric Setting: The story unfolds in a gloomy, isolated setting that creates a sense of unease and dread. The protagonist narrates the events in a dark, confined space, enhancing the horror and claustrophobic atmosphere.

Psychological Terror: The story heavily relies on psychological horror, delving into the disturbed and unreliable mind of the narrator. His obsession with the old man's "vulture eye" and the increasing paranoia about the beating of the heart create a sense of mental anguish and terror.

Supernatural Elements: Though subtle, supernatural elements are present in the story. The beating of the heart, which appears to be heard even after the murder, can be interpreted as a supernatural manifestation of guilt and retribution, adding to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere.

Guilt and Retribution: The protagonist experiences intense guilt after the murder, and the beating heart becomes a symbol of his tormented conscience. The story explores themes of guilt, retribution, and the haunting presence of the past.

Unreliable Narrator: The narrator's unreliability adds to the unsettling nature of the story. As readers, we are unsure about the truthfulness and sanity of the narrator, making it difficult to fully comprehend or trust the events being recounted.

Influence of the Gothic Tradition: Edgar Allan Poe is widely recognized as a master of the Gothic genre, and The Tell-Tale Heart exemplifies many of the conventions and themes associated with Gothic literature. The combination of psychological horror, atmospheric settings, and supernatural elements establish the story as a classic of Gothic horror.

Overall, The Tell-Tale Heart incorporates numerous features characteristic of Gothic horror, including an eerie atmosphere, psychological terror, supernatural elements, themes of guilt and retribution, and an unreliable narrator. These elements effectively contribute to the story's ability to evoke a sense of dread, unease, and horror within the readers.