Poe creates tension in several ways. First, his use of the first person narrator helps build suspense. For example, right away our narrator address the reader, "True! -- nervous -- very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad?" Here the reader is drawn right in to the story and its tension. The reader must decide is the man really mad? Is he reliable? What can be believe and what might be lies? All of these put the reader on edge.
Next, Poe's syntax, or word choice, is another way he creates tension. It is written as if the narrator is confessing to us. His uses of repetition and asides again draws the reader in and helps build suspense.
Poe also uses plot structure to create tension. Look at the scene where our narrator spies on the old man at night. Our narrator slowly opens the door a crack and each night after a little farther until the light falls on the man's face. Then when he finally is about to enter, after the eighth night, the man wakes up and startles our narrator. What tension!
Also, look at the methodical nature with which the narrator goes about covering up his crime. That builds tension.
Finally, look at the narrator's arrogance. How he seats himself right over the old man's body buried in his floor boards. The reader cannot help but wonder will he get away with it? Will he crack? Is he insane? What will happen?
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