There is not much one can add to what has already been written about this classic tale from Edgar Allan Poe. Widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest Gothic horror stories, it is yet another example of Poe’s ability to supplement situational horror with insights into the twisted minds of his protagonists. The horror aspect of this story about a wine-tasting gone wrong (or right, depending on how you look at it) is enhanced by the ambiguity about the seriousness of the “insult” that lead to the victim’s claustrophobic end. Themes: revenge, trust/deceit, pride, envy, mortality, confession.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (2,350 words)
Video Version
This 2011 award-winning film adaption directed by Thad Ciechanowski for poemovies.com is easily the best version currently available on the Internet. Watch and enjoy!