What was the major focus of all of Poe's work. What did he want people to think? What made him continue to write?

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2001

Answers

A short answer to a big question will no doubt be insufficient. We know Poe threw himself totally into the literary life, both as career and burning call. He advanced the cause of literature itself both as an American and romantic poet. Obviously he wanted people to share in his gift, for which he had a sure sense of greatness(tormented by lack of recognition and money). He knew he had a key to art beyond mere communication of ideas. He had confidence in his mind and used all his learning and poetic sense to great effect. He wanted people to FEEL the art he created- and be bowled over at times by his cleverness and complex insight. His essays on artsitic theory, and theorizing embedded in many stories were a beginning to tie up all the answers to your question. Check out these and the mystical cosmology of Eureka and ww.eapoe.org or your library.

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2001

I wish those interested in Poe's political, world stance would read this as well. His focus was very personal, very much career oriented. The big picture only extends to scientific inquiry and personal cosmology, American literature as opposed to European influence and copyright infringement- and most of all against publishers and the literary establishments that opposed him and other southern writers. Very self-focussed whatever his social insights and values might be.

-- Anonymous, August 03, 2001