If in many of my productions terror has been the thesis, I maintain that terror is not of Germany, but of the soul.

[E]very plot, worth the name, must be elaborated to its dénouement before anything be attempted with the pen. It is only with the dénouement constantly in view that we can plot its indispensable air of consequence, or causation, by making the incidents, and especially the tone at all points tend to the development of the intention.

I was cautious in what I said before the young lady; for I could not be sure that she was sane; and, in fact, there was a certain restless brilliancy about her eyes that half led me to imagine she was not.

A mystery, and a dream, should my early life seem.

In visions of the dark night I have dreamed of joy departed-- But a waking dream of life and light Hath left me broken-hearted.

It is with literature as with law or empire - an established name is an estate in tenure, or a throne in possession.

It may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma... which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.