by Cynthia Chung What say of it? what say CONSCIENCE grim, That spectre in my path? -Chamberlayne's Pharonnida The purpose of this paper is to debunk the myth surrounding Poe; that he was just a mere writer of horror and that he had an unhealthy obsession with the mad and the morbid...since isn’t that all he ever wrote about? Not only is Poe associated with the mad but many think he must have been mad himself, since in order to portray madness with such depth of understanding, it is commonly thought that one must partake in that very thing. Further claims conclude that Poe was an alcoholic and gambler, thus sharing in the qualities of many of the characters he chose to write about. Therefore, the narrative has been that while Poe was a gifted and intelligent writer, he was also deeply disturbed, and that his stories reflected the inner turmoil and conflict he suffered within himself against the demons that he was so evidently battling. Thus, reading his stories of horror are entertaining displays and insights into madness, but at best, are an interesting study of psychology into the criminally insane. Otherwise, there is no other worth or value to be found in them, and for the majority of his readership, Poe’s short stories are rather likened to a dark dessert that is to be voraciously consumed.
When I was very little, my older and younger brother were crammed into a small bedroom. Mom and Dad took turns reading to us at night. Mom would read books like Old Yeller, and she cried with us at the end. Dad, however, enjoyed reading Greek mythology to us, alternating with Edgar Allen Poe. I will never know why he chose Poe. The telltale heart gave me nightmares. The Greek myths were great though. Reading the Bible brought me much more peace and helped me get to sleep much better when I was in 7th grade and was in my own room by then.
The Bible is truly the greatest book I ever read on my own. I went through every page from Genesis to Revelation, twice.
The pen is mightier than the sword, and mightiest when wielded to transcribe the Word of God.
Poe is a skilled and memorable writer, and a troubled man.
When I was very little, my older and younger brother were crammed into a small bedroom. Mom and Dad took turns reading to us at night. Mom would read books like Old Yeller, and she cried with us at the end. Dad, however, enjoyed reading Greek mythology to us, alternating with Edgar Allen Poe. I will never know why he chose Poe. The telltale heart gave me nightmares. The Greek myths were great though. Reading the Bible brought me much more peace and helped me get to sleep much better when I was in 7th grade and was in my own room by then.
The Bible is truly the greatest book I ever read on my own. I went through every page from Genesis to Revelation, twice.
The pen is mightier than the sword, and mightiest when wielded to transcribe the Word of God.
Poe is a skilled and memorable writer, and a troubled man.