i am doing a research paper and just need a little extra help! thanks.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2001

Answers

When I hear the word "status" it brings to mind a political modern concern that doesn't fit well here. For amle poets the female inspires a profound, nealy idolatrous symbolism of beauty and spiritual desire. In Poe's poems woman can be allegories for hisown higher soul(Psyche-Helen) separate from the imperfections of earthly life. The allegory is usually too simple since there are other unworldly hauntings that are more shadowy, inexplicable and disturbing- much as in dream analysis the woman figure can be nightmarish and powerful.

There are the usual romantic idealized addreses as well(the second "To Helen") which again go very far with further hints on this need for a feminine "soul" to guide or complete him. The mother figure is present in gratitude to those who helped Poe during his crises of illness, etc. He loves the feminine characteristics and fears(in dark awe) the haunting power from beyond. Very useful here to compare him to other poets of his time to sense the profound difference between his and simpler romantic portrayals.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2001

Enlightening too to see how Poe criticizes female poets like Elizabeth Barrett(www.eapoe.org, Literary Criticism). Some condescension, some effusive, almost flirtatious praise- then savage criticism of their poetic failings. I think he gives women more their due than other males of his time might have been inclined to and attacks them as equals for the sake of his art.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2001

E. B. Barrett reacted to Poe's review with something less than pleasure. It struck her, she said, as if two people were writing it, one complimenting it and one attacking it, and each taking turns on the alternating paragraphs. In general, Poe was less critical of female authors, and for some, such as Mrs. Lewis, he was prone to puffing.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2001