英美文学

Poe worked in a variety of genres
criticism——he gained a national reputation as a virulently sarcastic critic, a literary hatchet man.the bulk of his writing consists of his criticism, and his most abiding ambition was to become a powerful critic. Poetry——he was an experimental poet Psychological fiction——he wanted to produce the greatest possible horrific effects on the reader Detective story——he created this form when he was 32,with al its major convention complete.
�
Selected List of Poe's Work
Tales "The Black Cat" "The Cask of Amontillado" "The Fall of the House of Usher" "Ligeia" "The Masque of the Red Death" "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" "The Pit and the Pendulum" "The Purloined Letter" "The Tell-Tale Heart"
Literary Style and Themes
Gothic elements Supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terror pervades the action High emotion, sentimentalism,but also pronounced anger, surprise and especially terror Use of words indicating fear, mystery, etc:apparition, devil, ghost, haunted, terror, fright, fainting
Literary Style and Themes
The Poetic Principle He disliked didacticism and allegory,though he believed that meaning in literature should be an undercurrent just beneath the surface. He believed that quality work should be brief and focus on a specific single effect. To that end, he believed that the writer should carefully calculate every sentiment and idea.
The Cask of Amontillado
It is the narrator's account of his ability to carry out a chilling plot of revenge against his offender. Precision in time, place, and setting preclude the idea of risk and allow the narrator both the retribution he seeks and the impunity he demands. It is set during the "supreme madness"of Carnival. In such a riotous atmosphere, it is easy to see how a crime could go unnoticed.
Literary Style and Themes
Allusion Reference to a famous historical or literary figure or event Best sources are literature, history,Greek myth and the Bible Serves to explain or clarify or enhance whatever subject
Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)
Known for: tales of mystery and terror introducing the modern detective story
Poe's Family and Tragic Life
Born in Boston,son of traveling actors Mother died, deserted by Father at the age of two,adopted by Mr and Mrs John Allan Constant disagreements with his stepfather Drinking and gambling difficulties kept him from college education after a brief studபைடு நூலகம் at University of Virginia
Selected List of Poe's Work
Poetry "Annabel Lee" "The Bells" "The City in the Sea" "The Conqueror Worm" "Eldorado" "The Haunted Palace" "Lenore" "The Raven" "Ulalume
Literary Style and Themes
Poe's best known fiction works are Gothic, a genre he followed to appease the public taste. His most recurring themes deal with questions of death, including its physical signs, the effects of decomposition, concerns of premature burial, the reanimation of the dead, and mourning. Beyond horror, Poe also wrote satires, humor tales, and hoaxes
Poe's Family and Tagic Life
Received an appointment to West Point, but provoked his own dismissal Caused a final separation between Poe and his step-father 1836 married his 13 year old cousin, whose early death may have inspired some of his writing. Last 12 years of life worked as a journalist, editor and creative writer. Led a poverty-stricken life, and died in a drunken stupor