What Fascinating Literary Technique Did Authors Use to Engage Readers in the 19th Century?

In the 19th century, a significant literary technique known as "unreliable narration" began to gain popularity among authors. This method involves a narrator whose credibility is compromised, leading readers to question the truth of the narrative. Classic examples include works like Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart," where the narrator insists on their sanity while revealing their madness, and Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," where Huck's youthful perspective and moral ambiguity challenge societal norms. This innovative approach not only created suspense and intrigue but also invited readers to engage more critically with the text, encouraging them to discern the deeper truths behind the characters’ perspectives. The legacy of unreliable narration continues to influence contemporary fiction, as modern authors explore the complexities of truth and perception in their storytelling.