Short Fiction · Chapter
The Life of Edgar Allan Poe explained
This chapter provides a biographical and critical overview of Edgar Allan Poe, discussing his anomalous position in American literature, his early life and education, his adoption by Mr.
What happens
This chapter provides a biographical and critical overview of Edgar Allan Poe, discussing his anomalous position in American literature, his early life and education, his adoption by Mr. Allan, his time at the University of Virginia and West Point, and his subsequent career as an author. It also includes a critical analysis of Poe's literary style, emphasizing his analytical mind, his focus on beauty, his use of mystery and terror, and his precise, mathematical approach to writing, with particular praise for 'The House of Usher'.
Themes in this chapter
Art and the Artist
The chapter extensively discusses Poe's artistic methods, his construction of tales, and his philosophy of beauty as the object of art.
Beauty and the Sublime
Poe's aim to create beauty is highlighted, and the serene, somber beauty of 'The House of Usher' is specifically praised.
Madness and Psychological Decay
Poe's skill in painting monomania and psychological horror is noted, with reference to his dissection of mental 'cancers'.
The Supernatural and the Gothic
The chapter emphasizes Poe's use of mystery, terror, and the unreal, particularly in tales like 'The House of Usher'.
Characters to notice
- Edgar Allan Poe
The subject of the chapter; his life, education, and literary career are discussed in detail.
- Mr. Allan
Poe's adopted father, a wealthy Virginian who later disinherited him.
- Roderick Usher
Referenced as the central figure in Poe's tale 'The House of Usher', which is praised for its classic style.
- Madeline Usher
Mentioned indirectly as part of the narrative of 'The House of Usher'.
Key passages
“In this his success is so great and striking as to deserve the name of art, not artifice.”
His achievement is so remarkable that it should be called true art rather than mere trickery.
Praise for Poe's skill in constructing his tales.
“As a critic, Mr. Poe was aesthetically deficient. Unerring in his analysis of dictions, metres and plots, he seemed wanting in the faculty of perceiving the profounder ethics of art.”
Poe lacked a deep understanding of art's moral dimensions, though he was flawless in analyzing language, rhythm, and story structure.
Critical assessment of Poe's limitations as a critic.
“He combines in a very remarkable manner two faculties which are seldom found united; a power of influencing the mind of the reader by the impalpable shadows of mystery, and a minuteness of detail which does not leave a pin or a button unnoticed.”
Poe uniquely blends the ability to evoke mystery with an obsessive attention to small details.
Description of Poe's dual talent for atmosphere and precision.
“In this tale occurs, perhaps, the most beautiful of his poems.”
Within this story is found what may be his finest poem.
Reference to the poem within 'The House of Usher'.