The Multi-Talented E. A. Poe

Introduction

Although Edgar Allan Poe probably was best known as the Stephen King of his day, he did not limit himself to producing only the creepy, atmospheric tales of horror for which he has become famous. He also claimed recognition as a poet, a critic, and an advisor to many other authors of his time. In his short, unhappy life, he invented the short story form and took poetry to new heights.

"The Raven," his best known work, shows his talent for creating various effects in poetry. Its value to American literature is as a demonstration piece showing how densely talented writers can pack the sound effect devices of poetry into an average-length poem. Part of this project involves a technical analysis of "The Raven" that attempts to explicate the poem's technical complexity.

A much lesser known ability of Poe was as humorist. Poe's humorous writings were unlike most one would see today in that most of them retain the macabre, grotesque elements of his more serious fiction. The irony in these stories if of a different type from the usual, however--a type that lets readers know that Poe had a different agenda from his usual in some of his stories. Part of this project involves discussing this little known aspect of Poe's writing.
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The Task

The task will be to produce a lively essay in which the student discusses how the poetic devices in "The Raven" add to its meaning and effect and then makes a smooth transition into discussing one of Poe's more lighthearted works. Your essay should show the range of talent possessed and exemplified by this rather mysterious figure in literary history.
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The Process

Students should refer to the resources section below and read through what it contains. Note that "The Raven" also appears in the textbook, but having it online in searchable form may prove beneficial. One part of the text which may serve a purpose is the discussion of the sound effect devices found on the pages surrounding "The Raven."

Students should then go on to read the background material on Poe's humorous works and then select one of the examples listed in the resources to serve as the basis for that part of the discussion.
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Resources

Two places to find "The Raven" and a link back to our previous project on literary terminology

--The Raven
--The Raven
--Literary Terminology Project

Some articles on Poe's humorous writing and links to general information on Poe plus a link to his collected works.

--Poe and Humor (from the E. A. Poe Society of Baltimore)
-- USA: Humor of Edgar Allan Poe
-- Poe's Virtual Library
-- Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe: Contents

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Evaluation

E. A. Poe As always, the papers that persuade the reader of the depth of your research will receive the highest grades. Cut corners, and you may pay!

NOTE: If your paper reflects the fact that you have not consulted the Revision and Editing Guide, you should not expect much at all from your grade.
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Conclusion

Hope you have had at least a little fun finding out more about Poe.
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Designed by Michael Byers
Orange High School
Hillsborough, NC
Last updated June, 2008.
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