The Role of Rumors in The Man that was Used Up
Rumors and gossip have been in existence since the origin of human life. However, most people do not differentiate between rumors and gossips. Whereas the two involve some sort of unverified pieces of information, gossips tend to have an exaggerated version of the information, and in most cases, it has a personal attribute. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of rumors, according to the article, the man that was used up. More so, the paper will also discuss the significance of the similarities and differences in these readings’ treatments of the idea of rumors.
In the reading, there is the character of an unnamed narrator who meets a famous General John. John was a heroic icon in the time. The aspect of rumors in this reading exists due to the passion of the narrator to learn more about the General. However, people are not willing to talk about the General; when they do, they only discuss his achievements (Edgar, 385). Due to this, the narrator is convinced that there are some secrets hidden for unknown reasons.
From the reading, it is evident that rumors played a significant role in helping the narrator to unravel the true identity of the General. The narrator collected and carefully analyzed pieces of information (rumors) from various sources until he found out that the General existed in pieces. On one occasion, the narrator visits the Generals home only to find a heap of matter speaking. The servants assemble the pieces together to make up the physical structure of the General. It is at this time that the narrator confirms the rumors, and he realizes that the stories about the General are descriptions of the man that was used up.
Work Cited
Edgar, Allan. “Text: Thomas Ollive Mabbott (E. A. Poe), ‘The Man That Was Used Up,” The Collected Works of Edgar Allan Poe – Vol. II: Tales and Sketches (1978), Pp. 376-392 (This Material Is Protected by Copyright).” Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore – Works – Editions – The Collected Works of Edgar Allan Poe – Vol. II: Tales and Sketches (Plan of This Edition), 1978, www.eapoe.org/works/mabbott/tom2t032.htm.