Edgar Allan Poe Influences

The grotesque and heart-shattering tales of American Gothic fuel the dark alleyways of American literature. Edgar Allan Poe was born in 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. During his literary career, his works focused on the grotesque and horrifying parts of American life. This was fueled and influenced by his dreadful and depressing life. Edgar Allan Poe’s influential works gained popularity posthumously thanks to his twisting stories and heartbreaking tales, which still inspire people today for his distinctive brand of American Gothic. Edgar Allan Poe's tragic childhood and depressing career influenced his distinctive Gothic style. During his childhood years Edgar experienced multiple tragic deaths: his parents in 1811, and his step mother in

Takacs). He died on October 7, 1849, and the cause of his death remains a mystery (“Edgar Allan Poe”). Edgar Allan Poe faced physiological trauma in early parts of his life such as his birth mother, father, and later his step mother which significantly influenced his interest in dark and depressing writing. Poe’s financial struggles impacted his writing, which was commonly found in American literature at the time. Poe helped set literary standards for literature and created the theory of “unity of effect” which focuses on the author creating a meaning in a work (“Edgar Allan Poe and Literary Criticism”). Edgar Allan Poe's use of symbolism and allegories influenced and paved the way in American Literature, one notable work which displays this is “The Masque of the Red Death” (S. A. Takacs). Poe was an influential figure in American Literature as he laid the groundwork and influenced American Gothic through his skill and dedication. Poe’s use of symbolism and allegories helps readers understand the deeper meaning of his works. Poe's creation of the “unity of effect” helped authors find a purpose for their works, which is still used today by present day authors around the

The shift from the lack of light to the eerie glow of the ocean creates a sense of mystery. It makes readers question the unknown forces of the sea, with the vivid imagery sending the readers to the scene. In the city by the sea, you can see temples near the water. Full of treasures, they stop waves, creating a flat and calm sea surface (Poe. 32-38). The vivid imagery helps us understand how life does not last forever and time does not stop as the city is being swallowed up by the sea. The calm and flat surface of the sea compared to the once lively city shows the flow of time, showing the insignificance of humanity as it is represented as a small spec in the vast Milky Way galaxy. Edgar Allan Poe’s ability to create vivid imagery and deep themes shows us how he is still able to stay relevant by demonstrating the unpredictable forces that mold our lives. Lastly, Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most prolific authors of American Gothic literature and literature as a whole. Poe established standards for literature such as his “unity of effect” which focuses on the author creating a meaning to a work. Poe’s idea of “unity of effect” helped transform