Mysteries of Edgar Allen Poe Edgar Allen Poe is a very well know writer whom created several poems and short narratives during the early romantic period, while also serving as a literary critic. While reminiscing on the distinguishing characteristics of the Romantic era, Poe is one of the first authors who may come to mind. He wrote greatly of love, emotion, past, and death. Poe was born in Boston in 1809 and soon became orphaned after the death both of his parents. His publishing career began soon after enlisting in the American army in 1827 with a collection of poems. He became very well-known and maybe even loathed for his criticizing of literature amongst other things. His writing reflected that of the romantic era, and also heavily influenced …show more content…
He explains his encounter and conversation with a raven and suggests that the “. . . ebony bird [beguiled his] sad fancy into smiling” (Poe). The Raven in particular is considered one of the greatest works in American literature. Poe’s definition of good work was that of which could leave an impact on the reader through the author’s style and detail. Many agree that he’d mastered these concepts. Poe’s work was very influential to American literature during this time period. He both astonished and stirred hostile relationships with those who followed his works. He has been credited with initiating horror literature as well as science fiction. Poe is also considered a fairly gothic author primarily because of the settings and tone of his works. He often creates a spooky atmosphere by setting his stories in secluded places. In the Journal of American History, the author states that “the dramatizations of Poe’s works are generally competent” (Whalen 1308). Poe also tends to create quite disturbed characters who suffer from either mental or physical disorders, or sometimes both. He inspired many authors of the time including Ambrose Bierce, Conan Doyle, and many others. He is even recognized for inventing the modern detective story. Not only did he have a significant impact on literature he inspired music, film and