Final answer:
The best phrase to describe Poe's guiding principle for writing fiction is 'Unity of Effect,' which means that all literary aspects should create a specific emotional response in the reader. Thus, correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase that best sums up Poe's guiding principle for writing fiction is Unity of Effect. This principle emphasizes that every element of a literary piece, including plot, character, setting, and diction, should work together to create a single, powerful emotional effect on the reader. This effect is often related to eliciting feelings of horror or suspense, which is a hallmark of Poe's writing style. The Unity of Effect is a concept that Poe himself wrote about in his criticism and is evident in his careful crafting of macabre tales that affect readers on a deep psychological level.
In his approach to writing, Poe did not rely on mere shock value or purely visual spectacle (shock & awe), nor did he adhere to the minimalism of the Iceberg Principle. Instead, he believed that all aspects of his fiction should converge to provoke a specific emotional response from his audience. The Unity of Effect suggests a deliberate crafting of the story's impact rather than leaving meaning open to interpretation or buried beneath the surface (Deep Hidden Meaning).