How did American Literature during the 1800's influence Poe's writing style & works, and what in his life influenced the way he wrote?

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2004

Answers

I am not a fan of mammoth essay questions encompassing vast sweeps of history both contemporary and personal. THEN after spewing back your expertise in all this- if possible- to make a coherent value judgment. Hey, if that essay was written, let's read it and check out the references and claims. For a student this is alarmingly pretentitious. Poe was influenced early on by the British Romantics, the German Romantics and thinkers, and was educated as most young American gentlemen of his day, Euro style. The sentiments, the liberation of these poets, found a ready disciple and very sympathetic heart for the wildness, creativity in new forms, rebellion against the literary status quo.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2004

If you take a brief look into his life, he can see many parallels with his works. The death of the many beautiful women (which he was once quoted to be the "most beautiful thing in the world"), he lost several women in his life to tuberculosis: his mother, his foster mother, Virginia).

Poe's writing and style and works all contributed to the growth of that era. He is considered one of the greatest of that time, and even today in the gothic mysteries (the leader to some). Read some of his most popular, "The Raven"," "Tell-Tale Heart," "Annabel Lee," and "The Black Cat." You'll understand more that way, and you'll see why he influence much of American Literature in the 1800s.

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2004

I believe that Poe's work indicated that he, too, was a full member of society. During the war he served a purpose in his writing, he cared deeply about the children in the United States. They were int he middle of an unforgettable, childish war which could confuse children to the extent. So, by writing it gave children a sense of hope to hold on to, and that all would be well in the near future, which is our tomorrow. Thank you.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2004

I don't care about Poe, or in Russia we say "poo." And actually POO is what his work should be called. It's a desgrace tot he nation and entirely to unmodern. Thank goodness for PlayBoy or we all would be stuck in the dark corners of boredom!!

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2004