I was wondering why are E.A. Poe's stories are of horror and terror? Is it because of something that has happened in his life? Or is thatjust the way he writes. Well please Write back Maddy

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2000

Answers

Maddy,

This is always an interesting question and one that is asked often. Most interesting is the inference that Poes works were limited solely to this genre of literature which is most definitely not the case. These tales make up but a minor portion of his lifes work and appears to say much more to the literary tastes of his public than it does about Poe himself.

Please, do not misunderstand me here. That Poe led a somewhat difficult and turbulent life and endured the loss of several loved ones is unquestionable. The loss of his beloved Virginia alone in January 1847 was a significant blow to him that spun him into a long deep depression and frequent bouts of drunkenness. It is arguable that, perhaps, the inspiration for many of his tales of horror were born in the dreams of a drunken stupor or fits of utter despair. I seriously doubt this but its possible. What is not arguable, in my view, is that the bulk of his stories and poetry were created while he was in full command of his genius and his unparalleled mastery of the English language.

Throughout his life, Poe had and maintained many interests, from cryptography to phrenology to mesmerism to the mysteries of Stonehenge. In poetry, his classical education and studies of Greek and Roman mythology served him extraordinarily well. He wrote numerous essays, literary critiques, social commentaries, exposes and opinions. He also wrote humor and several short essays on such mundane subjects as street-paving and furniture. His literary epic, Eureka  A Prose Poem is as far from a horror tale as one can imagine. Many tales were adventure and mystery stories and his creation of C Auguste Dupin went on to influence the creation of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

In my personal view, Poe was most definitely not polarized as an author.

Best Regards,

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2000

Matty,

The reson that he wrotew that stuff is that he had so much gloom in his life. i mean all of his family died, he was almost court marshelled at vergina adcadamy, and alot more. i hope this answerd your question.

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2000