This is my comm 1(ENGLISH) homework assignment to find out in three paragraphs or more tell me Why have Edgar Allen Poe's stories stayed popular for so long? I also have to use at least two references to stories that he has written such as, The Murders in the Rue Morgue. PLease who ever gets this letter e-mail me as soon as possible. I really need the answer by tonight. Thanks again, I hope you can help and answer my question and respond back to me no later than tonight. Thank You Again!! - Alysha

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2000

Answers

Alysha,

You may wish to try the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore's site at: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-post-reply-form.tcl

Good luck

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2000

Poe was a morbid and complex man who appears to have suffered the effects of some emotional trauma, judging by his alleged sexual perversion, at least implied if not actually pursued, and his obsession with spirits.

He seems to have had a very intimate understanding of the dark side of human nature and often explored it in lavish journey. In my opinion his extolls of morbidity and in particular the supernatural aspect within his works, are to far too picturesque for one who had merely a passing interest. Is it possible that his frustration led him to become involved in some form of spiritism? Take The Raven for example. What did he mean by "...the god that we both love" right after concluding that the raven could be from the Devil? What's your view? Maybe you can run it by your teacher or the whole class and let me know.

I suspect that the reason his works have remained popular, is because there exists a subculture which thrives on gloom and misery along with an inordinate desire to dabble with the supernatural. This subculture has its roots in black magic and witchcraft. Could it be that the interest some show in Poe's works, could open a door to something far more sinister....?

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

The reason Poe's art has survived thus long is in the human subconscience. Every person living believes in magic and other forces by default. It's so part of the human spirit that you lie to yourself when you say otherwise.

Another reason is the subculture. Not everyone likes happiness and poppy material as entertainment. As far as black magick goes, I'll say that some practice, but most do not go that far. There are people who enjoy pain, but I personally find a solace in darkness that I cannot find in the light.

Poe has also been a major source of gothic literature and is taught as such to students in high schools in the United States. I could also be that people keep looking for their darker selves and Poe's works best describe those beasts.

About the only thing that is really certain is that Poe will be remember far longer than most of us will be. In that way he has gained an ironic immortality.

-- Anonymous, February 17, 2002