Time and again called one of Poe’s most brutal horror short stories, 'Berenice' employs themes similar to Poe’s previous works: death of a beautiful woman, premature burial, and mental disorder. Though some autobiographical elements can be felt, the story still remains one of horror and obsession. The dark and brooding atmosphere, together with the almost-maniacal obsession of the main character with his cousin, creates a story that is definitely not for the faint-hearted!