Edgar Allan Poe's Use Of Empathy

By exploring personality, thoughts and actions, the author uses this portrayal of the man to create an effect of empathy towards him. At the start of the passage, the man has just come across the rattlesnake during his walk. Instinctively, the man’s response is to “let him go” which would leave both “well content”. From his reaction, the reader can interpret that the man does not like conflicts. While most people would try to get rid of the snake at once, the man merely looks at it. He then admits that he has “never killed” unless “obliged” to, implying that he avoids such acts. Both of these portrayals of him prove that the man, at the core, is a kind-hearted person who is not keen on violence. Similarly, since the passage is written in his first person
Death, in no way, is rewarding for the man. However, the man soon “reflect[s]” that he has “children, dogs, horses, men and women” back at his ranch. What was already a hard situation is made harder with another perspective to consider and it is evident that the man is torn by this. The use of the term “reflect” proves that the man has been thinking deeply and carefully about what to do. Therefore, when he finally does decide to kill the snake, he is quick to note it is his “duty, plainly”, as if he needs a valid reason to persuade himself. The internal conflict within him begins to form and continues after the death when he describes it to be a “pitiful”, “nasty sight”. Guilt also starts to form in him, as he struggles with what he has done. Since he is depicted as a peaceful man, his reaction to the murder is moving and prompts empathy for him. The man’s actions after the snake’s death similarly reinforce a sense of empathy towards him. Taking no pride in his work, the man does not move to “cut off the rattles” as most would do. In fact, he seems to regret it as he imagines the snake still alive, “sinuous and