The word "tinkle" in Poe's "The Bells" opening few lines employs onomatopoeia to accentuate the light, joyous sound that bells on the "sledges" produce. Answer any queries regarding understanding onomatopoeia that the pupils may have. Discuss how this technique can be used to enhance reading comprehension. Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer who created many popular poems and stories during his career. "The Bells" is a short poem written by Poe about two girls who live in a village where the only church is surrounded by bells. One day the priest goes on a pilgrimage to find holy water when he comes across some hunters who tell him about a haunted castle. The priest thinks it would make a good place for him to stay so he goes inside but soon after he falls asleep. In his dream he hears strange noises like people laughing and singing, then voices calling his name. When he wakes up he finds that all the bells in the church have been rung repeatedly as a warning not to go to the castle. Poe uses onomatopoeia extensively in this poem to create a sense of mystery and horror. He starts off with tinkle which sounds like music coming from far away. This makes readers curious about what kind of church it is and why there are bells surrounding it.