Poe vs Hawthorne According to the online Oxford English Dictionary, romanticism is defined as “a movement in the arts and literature which originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing inspiration, subjectivity, and the primacy of the individual.” Romanticism can also be described as writing that finds it’s inspiration from nature. It focuses on emotions with more of a deeper and darker feel to it. Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne are two talented Romanticism writers. Edgar Allen Poe wrote “The Fall of the House of Usher,” and Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote “The Minister’s Black Veil.” Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne do share similarities such as their use of symbolism and imagery. Both writers also possess many writing characteristics that individualizes the two from each other, for instance, their philosophical beliefs/personalities. …show more content…
“...’The House of Usher’- an appellation which seemed to include, in the minds of the peasantry who used it, both the family and the family mansion.” (The Fall of… 415). The mansion and the Usher family essentially are one, and resemble each other. When the family falls apart and Roderick dies, the house does the same. “Be mine, and hereafter there shall be no veil over my face, no darkness between our souls!” (The Minister’s… 479) The veil that Mr. Hooper wears symbolizes sins that he has committed, and is not afraid to show them, without going into detail. Both Poe and Hawthorne include symbolism in their writings to add to the effect of the