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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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
Back to Top
Evaluation
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.
Back to Top
Conclusion
Hope you have had at least a little fun finding out more about Poe.
Back to Top
Designed by Michael Byers
Orange High School
Hillsborough, NC
Last updated June, 2008.
Based on a template from
The WebQuestPage