Edgar Allan Poe’s influence on American literature was nothing short of great; not only was he the creator of the detective story and the horror thriller, but he also influenced many great writers, among those William Faulkner and Fyodor Dostoevsky. While Poe is best known for his horror thrillers, being the creator of that particular genre, he has also fashioned two other literary genres, like the detective and the science fiction genre. Throughout his life, Poe read, reviewed, and critiqued many books for various magazines and papers. Poe did not hesitate to attack what he deemed inferior. “Is purely too imbecile to merit an extended critique,” he once wrote of a novel. Because of his readiness to attack what he believed to be unworthy, …show more content…
His first attempt was Hans Pfall, a story in which a man travels to the moon on a revolutionized balloon. Poe included actual facts into his story, mixing it with entirely false scientific “facts” to make the story believable (Meltzer 64). Poe’s innovations would later expand the modern science fiction genre. His vivid imagination veered off from scientific facts to create believable details to incorporate into his stories. These details anticipated later discoveries in both geography and astronomy (64). Science fiction writers like H.G. Wells and Jules Verne learned a great deal from Poe, which they integrated into their own writings. The belief that Poe began the science fiction genre may also be attributed to Poe’s complicated piece of writing which explained his own view of the universe. Eureka: A Prose Poem was published in March of 1848, and in it, Poe introduced his theory, a mixture of science, theology, and intuition. Poe theorized that: “God existed before matter. God created the first atoms. They scattered to create the universe. They are all trying to join back together, but when they do, they will be scattered again.” Poe’s theory caused an upset in society, as it was not Christian; however, others believed it to be brilliant, as it showed both insight and clear thought (Binns 100). Poe’s influence has not limited itself on just literature. Alfred Hitchcock, director of classic suspense films like Vertigo and Psycho has stated
The author gives a description of short story writer, poet and critic Edgar Allan Poe's place in the history of the U.S. is presented. As literary editor of "Graham's Lady's" and "Gentleman's Magazine," Poe became a major figure in American letters. Although his heavy drinking cost him his job, Poe continued to write in a cool style that was the polar opposite of his romantic poems and horror stories. Thomas Fleming gives details for his main idea that Poe’s works are widely known due to his technique of writing. Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” and “The Black Cat” is perfect examples of his suspenseful writing technique that grabs his audience, holds on to readers throughout the entire story and leaves the audience on the edge of their seats. Edgar Allan Poe’s stories are always thought of as being suspenseful and extremely dramatic. To achieve the suspense in Edgar Allen Poe’s, he uses gothic imagery to help add an unknown, eerie effect. The author, Thomas Fleming, gives an example with “…with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable
Modern society thrives on the adrenaline rush from the being scar. Not just scares, but terrified to the point that fear takes on new meaning, invoking thoughts that were never deemed possible. Despite the popularity of facing these fears, it is not a new pastime as many would believe. Horror and Gothic tradition had its beginnings in the early medieval period that dominated Europe in the late fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, but it was American author Edgar Allen Poe of the nineteenth century that made Gothic tradition. A popular literary genre. Poe's troubled, short life had great influence on his writing, which is distinguished by specific, unique characteristics, and has in turn
Edgar Allan Poe once said, “Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.” Edgar Allan Poe is among many authors as one of the most influential writers of all time. Edgar Allan Poe had a unique writing style that no one else did. He impacted many people and still impacts many to this day. He was one to build on the idea of horror and expand the concept of it. Many of Poe’s works are still available today, and his poems are still some of the most famous around. Not only is Poe’s work some of the best anyone has ever seen, and the message he leaves with people is new to others. His tragic early life was the main cause of his affection for horror.
“Although dissolute in his personal life, when Poe touched pen to paper, he became a disciplined craftsman.” (Carnes 300). Edgar Allan Poe cemented his place in American literature by publishing countless poems and short stories, including “The Raven” and “Masque of the Red Death.” Poe effectively invented the detective fiction genre and perfected the horror story. His style, visionary as it was, was not with its influences. A life filled with tragedy, disappointment, alcoholism, and depression shaped Poe’s seemingly strange and taboo mind. Many of Poe’s writings were directly impacted by events in Poe’s life. In the Romantic period of the mid 1800’s, Edgar Allan Poe succeeded among American
The Raven, published in 1845, brought Poe temporary popular and critical acclaim. The Raven was a personal challenge Edgar imposed upon himself. Poe originally wanted to use a parrot instead of a raven, but he felt it didn’t evoke the right tone. He also wanted to write a 100 line poem, but ended up with 108 lines, which was good enough for Poe.
"In one case out of a hundred a point is excessively discussed because it is obscure; in the ninety-nine remaining it is obscure because it is excessively discussed." This quote by Edgar Allan Poe describes his obscure works which have been discussed and criticized in great detail for many years to come. Some readers believe that his works are too dark and eccentric maybe even deathly. Others believe his works to be masterpieces. However, one thing that is not up for debate is the fact that Edgar Allan Poe is a literary genius. Edgar Allan Poe, the creator of the ratiocinative story and the amateur sleuth and leading contributor to the gothic genre, is the greatest author of the mid-nineteenth century.
Poe probably made one of the biggest impacts in Gothic literature. Gothic Literature is considered to involve the horror or gothic element, but is mixed with romance, superstition, women in distress, and the occurrence of supernatural events. The history and beginning of this era is unknown. Poe analyzes the most controversial subjects and describes them in a meticulous and scientific way, which leads to terrible imagery that can attack a nervous man’s head and give him evil thoughts. (Szumski 33) Many people blame Poe for inspiring Jack the Ripper. His style
Edgar Allan Poe was and is undoubtedly one of the greatest influences on American literature. His life consisted of tragedy and heartbreak, but even as Poe’s world spiraled down around him, he produced some of the greatest works of poetry and short stories that had ever been created. These works redefined the way prose and poetry alike were composed and analyzed. Unfortunately, much of the truth about Edgar Allan Poe’s life has been blurred and changed, leaving many questions as to what events affected and influenced one of history’s greatest authors.
Edgar Allan Poe wrote many famous works of literature, some of which are: The Raven, The Fall of The House of Usher, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Black Cat. Most of his works were filled with horror as his background was one we all are glad we never had. With his background his atmospheres of horror are far better and deeper than most writers.
“Edgar Allan Poe and his work appear throughout popular culture in literature, music, films, and television. A number of his homes are dedicated museums today.” (Literary Style of Edgar Allan Poe). Poe was the most important writer of the 19th century. His works scorn the mind and thrill the body. His story lines are majestic and mind-blowing. Poe is most renowned by his dark romanticism and eerie fiction. Poe’s own melancholy life explains his literally style. Edgar Allan Poe is acknowledged today as one of the most brilliant and original writers in American literature, despite his troubled life.
Another look at Poe’s outstanding variety and range of tales, represents the many genres he explored and how important they are today. Murder mysteries is said to be one of his most considerable accomplishments in literature. Although, they existed before Poe wrote about them his style and originality prevailed over other writers. Moreover, Poe’s fascinating and imaginative writing in science fiction earned him a lasting impact there as well.
Poe has written multiple short stories and poems, he's actually known for only a couple of his works. Poe many unexpected tragedies and shortcomings, these shortcoming greatly influenced his life and his works. He wasn’t as famous during his life than compared to present day. The mysterious death is what most believe that brought into the peoples’ eyes. Through the use of many different literature elements, create a dark gothic feel, sublime moments which easily manipulated the readers as they read his books.
King has this to say about Poe's works, “He wasn't just a mystery/suspense writer,” adds the author many fans would describe as the modern Poe, Stephen King. “He was the first” (Hockensmith).
Following death in 1849, the reputation of Edgar Allan Poe had been seen as nothing short of atrocious and faulty; regarding excessive use of alcohol and seemingly alarming sexual desire. Today, the works and aforementioned peculiarity are valued enough to be positively referred to over 100 years later, and ultimately earn Poe a place as an eminent literature pioneer. Edgar Poe, American poet and writer, swept the 19th century by provoking thought through writing pieces; many of which were an ultimate reflection of what Poe was dealing with. With multiple manipulating factors such as a scarring upbringing and the loss of lovers, Poe reconstructs all that American literature once was and all that future writings will be. Often perceived as dark and twisted, the pieces of Poe require thought and sensitivity to ensure deep and true meaning. The creator’s greatest impact regarding American composition gyrates around the constitution of serving as a guide for genres and other authors. Edgar Allan Poe's childhood and influence from other writers allowed him to appreciably impact American literature and history by amplifying the genre of detective fiction, contributing to psychology, and employing writing techniques such as symbolism.
Many people credit him as the architect of the modern short story. Poe’s style still impacts writers today. Nearly every important writer after Poe show signs of influence, especially when working in horrific humor or gothic humor. Famous writer like Stephen King, Clive Barker and others have followed in the footsteps of Poe. The genre of horror is bigger today than ever and Edgar Allan Poe was the