The Imp of Perverse

Personal Journal Response

“The Imp of the Perverse”

According to Edgar Poe’s story “The imp of Perverse”, I will prove that there is an imp of perverse in all of us. I will prove that there is an imp of perverse in all of us through “the spirit of the perverse”(Poe), questions asked by one self what would happen if they did do the perverse, and finally conscious vs. unconscious. In Edgar Poe’s short story he describes how “the spirit of perverse” is the devil inside of us that gains control. This quote describes how people are driven to do something when they know it is wrong. For example, if a person is told not to take Physics, the imp of perverse inside of us will want to take Physics. Having an imp of perverse inside of us may have a positive impact on society as, people would be more willing to come forward when they commit crimes. The imp of perverse could make society a safer place. Secondly, the imp of perverse may cause one to come forward as, one starts to question their own safety, also known as paranoia. In the story, “Imp of Perverse”, the narrator begins to feel paranoia as he constantly reassures himself under his breath “I am safe, I am safe,...”(Poe). This is showing the start of paranoia and the beginning of ones conscience taking over. He then continues with, “if I be not fool enough to make open confession!”(Poe). This is a clear explanation of one questioning one self if he or she has he ability to keep the secret to him or herself. His conscience begins to speak and he feels remorse for his actions. Finally the secret is shared with the world. The imp of perverse is evidenced when he asks himself if he can keep the secret but because he asks himself that question his mind wanted to do the opposite. This resulted in him sharing the secret. Finally, the main cause for ones imp of perverse to show is conscious vs. unconscious. This is explained in an article written by Harvard psychologist named David Wegner, he claims that there is an...