The Oval Portrait by Edgar Allan Poe (1842): A Review

Title: The Oval Portrait

Author: Edgar Allan Poe

Publication Year: 1842

Pages: 4

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Gothic, Horror

Source: EBook @everand_us

“The Oval Portrait” is a typical example of Gothic horror, featuring an obsessed male character and a victimized female character, reminiscent of the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Although it does not center on the theme of live burial, it involves the imprisonment of a woman's soul within an oval portrait and her body that is no more. The main narrative follows an artist who creates paintings that appear almost lifelike, particularly the woman depicted in his portrait.

The story contrasts an obsessed artist, who is captivated by beauty and art, with a naive young wife. She believes that by remaining still and being the object of her husband’s obsession, she can earn his love. Unbeknownst to her, he views her not as a wife but as an abstract concept of beauty, and everyone knows the dangers that such obsession can bring.

However, the story transcends just the portrait. It is framed by the perspective of a narrator, a wounded intruder exploring a chateau filled with typical Gothic features. Predictably, chaos ensues. The setting includes all the hallmark elements of Gothic atmosphere. Our narrator finds a book that describes each painting within the chateau, lading to the main story. The narrator is acutely aware of the Gothic environment, even referencing one of the pioneers of the genre, Mrs. Radcliffe.

Overall, this is another masterpiece by Poe that masterfully creates a creepy atmosphere, unsettling both the narrator and the readers. The story is brief enough to be read in just a few minutes, leaving readers with no regrets.