CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE
A. Review of Related Studies
This thesis is influenced by a thesis written by Veronika Deni Ambarwati 2006. In her research, the comparison between
the dynamics of the character’s psychological aspect in Poe’s “The Black Cat” with “The Tell-Tale Heart” is
highlighted. However, in this study the dynamic of the narrator’s unconscious mind is
explained. Meanwhile, there is another related study from Yamin Liang. Liang briefly
analyzed Pride and Prejudice’s main character, Elizabeth. In the analysis, the main character’s id, ego, and superego is identified from several aspects such as the pursuit
of love, the act of prejudice against Mr. Darcy, and her attitude development towards Wickham. The goal of Liang’s study is to help readers enjoy the literary works from
its psychological aspects. The idea of ego is highlighted in an analysis written by Magdalen Wing-Chi
Ki. It is stated in her thesis that the narrator embarks series of EgoEvil. EgoEvil according to Ki 2008 is a manifestation of a selfish deed that leads to greed and
series of selfish calculation. “In my view, “The Tell-Tale Heart” foregrounds different stages of EgoEvil
as the narrator defines himself through narcissistic eye, malicious glare, and the
enigmatic gaze of the other. ” Ki, Magdalen Wing-Chi, 2008:2. It can be seen that
Ki’s study focused on the Ego aspect of the narrator. Furthermore, Ki also stated that the action of the narrator influenced by the act of the EgoEvil.
Another related study is a study written by Andrea Schaumlö ffel 2010. The
point of this study is to analyze the rhetorical structure and to explain the rhetorical devices of Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” in the narrator’s confession.
“On the basis of the interpretations above, we can see that “The Tell-
Tale Heart” gives much leeway for exegesis. Interestingly enough, this full range of well-founded views can only be
possible because of the lack of information: We do not know who the narrator is, or in which relationship he or she stands
with the old man, neither where and how they exactly live, nor
why this tale is actually told.” Schaumlöffel, 2010: 9
According to the quotation above it can be seen that Andrea Schaumlö ffel
2010 concludes that the object of study gives too much room for another interpretation
and concludes that this happens because of the story’s lack of information.
Meanwhile, the position of this study is to elaborate the motive of the murder from the
dynamic of the narrator’s unconscious mind. Therefore, the elaboration of the motive is able to give a dif
ferent perspective about Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” for future studies.