Edgar Allan Poe is one of the greatest writers of horror and mystery literature. Two of his most famous works, The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart, not only haunt readers with their content but also with their poetic and eerie language. Below are some of the most iconic quotes from these masterpieces.
Haunting Quotes from "The Raven"
The poem The Raven tells the story of a man grieving the loss of his beloved Lenore and being tormented by a mysterious raven. The verses in this work deeply express loneliness, despair, and unanswerable questions.
“
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary.
Edgar Allan Poe
“
Quoth the Raven, ‘Nevermore.’
Edgar Allan Poe
“
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing.
Edgar Allan Poe
“
All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.
Edgar Allan Poe
“
And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting.
Edgar Allan Poe
“
Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer.
Edgar Allan Poe
“
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore.
Edgar Allan Poe
“
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night’s Plutonian shore!
Edgar Allan Poe
“
Is there—is there balm in Gilead?—tell me—tell me, I implore!
Edgar Allan Poe
“
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Edgar Allan Poe
Chilling Quotes from "The Tell-Tale Heart"
The short story The Tell-Tale Heart is a masterpiece of psychological horror, narrating the tale of a murderer tormented by his own guilt. The lines in this work portray psychological turmoil and obsessive madness.
“
It is impossible to say how first the idea entered my brain; but once conceived, it haunted me day and night.
Edgar Allan Poe
“
True! — nervous — very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad?
Edgar Allan Poe
“
I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth. I heard many things in hell.
Edgar Allan Poe
“
Villains! I shrieked, ‘dissemble no more! I admit the deed! — Tear up the planks! Here, here! It is the beating of his hideous heart!
Edgar Allan Poe
“
You fancy me mad. Madmen know nothing.
Edgar Allan Poe
“
I smiled,—for what had I to fear?
Edgar Allan Poe
“
I knew what the old man felt, and I pitied him although I chuckled at heart.
Edgar Allan Poe
“
I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever.
Edgar Allan Poe
“
Was it possible they heard not? Almighty God!—no, no! They heard!—they suspected!—they knew!
Edgar Allan Poe
“
Anything was more tolerable than this derision! I could bear those hypocritical smiles no longer!
Edgar Allan Poe
The quotes from The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart are not just words on paper but reflections of emotions, obsessions, and the dark corners of the human soul. These works have cemented Edgar Allan Poe as a master of horror and psychological literature. Even after centuries, the words of Edgar Allan Poe remain hauntingly powerful and artistic. They are not merely lines of text but echoes of pain, fear, and loss, leaving an unforgettable impression on readers.
As Olivia Williams, a dedicated contributor at thetopquote.com, I bring a unique blend of passion and expertise to the art of quotation curation. My journey in journalism and creative writing has equipped me with the discerning eye necessary to select quotes that are not only thought-provoking but also deeply meaningful. I am committed to sharing wisdom that resonates with our readers, helping them find inspiration and insight in every phrase.
