Monday, October 27, 2014

Edgar Allan Poe the Social Critic

Edgar Allan Poe or perhaps more accurately, Edgar Allan  Bro.  However you see it, Poe is a much beloved writer from the early nineteenth century.  We typically think of him for his short fiction, but should not disregard his creation of the detective story or discount his desire to be known as a poet. 


Poe's death certainly carries and air of fitting mystery, and thanks to the Poe Museum, you now have the chance to solve said mystery. Another cool facet of the museum is the 1954 production of "A Tell-Tale Heart."  I highly recommend completing both activities.


Thomas C. Foster alleges in How to Read Literature Like a Professor that Edgar Allan Poe is a social critic.  It's difficult to argue this point thanks to stories such as "The Masque of the Red Death," "The Cask of Amontillado," and "The Fall of the House of Usher." 


Why am I telling you all of this?  That question is simple enough: you are to write at least three hundred words discussing the theme of one of Poe's works (it may be helpful to think about the social implications).  In doing this, remember that Poe did not miss the chance to include a symbol in his work, as these will help you to defend the theme that you are championing.


One final note, if you write a second blog about Poe solving the mystery of his death, you could potentially earn some extra credit. In order to do so, you must defend your thinking.

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