American History Tellers
Great American Authors | Edgar Allan Poe: Master of Macabre | 1
Nov 22, 2023
Edgar Allan Poe, Master of Macabre, overcame setbacks and financial struggles to establish American literature. Topics include his provocative nature, early struggles, court-martial, shift to prose, rejection for support, tragic life, and controversial legacy.
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Quick takeaways
- Edgar Allan Poe's writing career was marked by financial struggle, personal tragedy, and self-sabotage, but he still managed to establish American literature with his bold and unique voice.
- Poe's legacy as a writer was tarnished by controversies and a malicious obituary, but his immense contributions to the horror genre and exploration of the human psyche were eventually recognized and celebrated.
Deep dives
Edgar Allan Poe's Controversial Performance in Boston
In October 1845, the Boston Lyceum invited Edgar Allan Poe to recite a new original poem. Instead, he deliberately insulted his elite audience by reciting an incomprehensible poem from his youth. The performance sparked anger and ridicule in the Boston press. It was one of several acts of self-sabotage that contributed to Poe's mixed reputation. Many years would pass before he claimed his standing as one of America's greatest writers.
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