Hitchcock and Poe

This study explores the aesthetic of Poe and Hitchcock in terms of a set of common obsessions, techniques, and genres. The structure of the study revolves around Eureka, Poe's explicit and allegorical treatise on the development of the universe. Each chapter explores the similarities and differences between Poe's and Hitchcock's treatment of such issues as doubles, the perverse, voyeurism, and romantic obsession. While Hitchcock's films consistently mirror plots, imagery, and relationships within Poe's tales, Perry also shows how Hitchcock's resistance to the traditional trappings of gothic tales sets his films apart from the works of Poe and gives them a unique touch.

Part 1 Preface Part 2 1. Introduction: Hitchcock and Poe Chapter 3 Eureka and Hitchcock's Canon Part 4 2. Ratiocination: Original Unity Chapter 5 "The Purloined Letter" and Murder Part 6 3. Apocalypse: Crises of Fragmentation Chapter 7 "The Masque of the Red Death" and The Birds Part 8 4. Inexplicable Predicaments: Diffusion from the Center Chapter 9 "The Pit and the Pendulum" and North by Northwest Part 10 5. Doubles: The Universe of Others Chapter 11 "William Wilson" and Strangers on a Train Part 12 6. Imps of the Perverse: Diffusion from the Self Chapter 13 "The Tell-Tale Heart" and Rope Part 14 7. Voyeurism: Eyes of the Perverse Chapter 15 "A Man of the Crowd" and Rear Window Part 16 8. Romantic Obsession: Return to Transcendence Chapter 17 "The Fall of the House of Usher" and Vertigo Part 18 9. Humor and Horror: Collapsing into Unity Chapter 19 "Ligeia" and The 39 Steps Part 20 Annotated Bibliography Part 21 Index Part 22 About the Author