What exactly does these poems say? Who is he writing to?

-- Anonymous, September 05, 2001

Answers

These poems are to Fanny osgood, a poet friend of the family. To F is modeled by theme and some echoes of imagery and lines to an earlier poem "To Helen" where the lady gives a beacon of hope to the troubled poet. Crossing stormy seas to the calm harbor of her bright smile.

As if continuing the conversation the second poem is a solace to her, to be herself and the world must reward her merits with praise and love.

None of this is erotically romantic save that casting her in the themes of that other poem "To Helen" idealizes her at the center of his attention. Even there, simply borrowing as he often does from the same well, seems a friendly convention not a wild protest of love. Poe was suffering from his poverty and Virginia's illness(not sure of dates)and Fanny from a wayward husband.

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2001