The Man of the Crowd

Especially popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, Gothic fiction typically aims to scare or unsettle its readers. Works of Gothic fiction are characterized by dark and ominous settings, a fascination with the darker side of human nature, and a mysterious or suspenseful tone. In addition, they are closely associated with Romanticism, a literary movement that emphasized the power of the imagination over reason.

Much of Poe’s work falls into the category of Gothic fiction, and “The Man of the Crowd” is no exception. In it, the mystery of the old man’s identity creates an air of suspense and secrecy. The narrator follows the old man out of a desire to solve the mystery of his identity, but ultimately discovers this mystery to be unsolvable. The unsettling lack of resolution at the end reflects The Complexity of the Human Mind.

The urban setting of this story is different from many Gothic tales, which are often set in remote, decaying castles or ancestral houses (as in Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher”). However, in his description of the narrator’s pursuit of the old man, Poe gives a dark, creepy, and almost claustrophobic

Unlock all 30 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App

+ Printable PDF

+ Literary AI Tools

Unlock Full Library