Weekend Writing: Celebrating Edgar Allan Poe

In December, I devoted a Weekend Writing post to celebrate Emily Dickinson's birthday. After the success and positive feedback the post received, I decided to celebrate multiple famous authors on their birthdays--starting now with Edgar Allan Poe.

Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was not only an American writer, but he was also an editor and literary critic. Best known for his dark poetry and short stories, Poe is a central figure of Romanticism in American literature. He is generally considered the inventor of the detective genre, and he was the first writer to try to earn a living through writing alone.

How many of you have read "The Raven"? This is, without a doubt, Poe's most famous work. It was first published in January 1845 in the Evening Mirror and it quickly became a popular sensation. Poe became a household name, but he was only paid $9 for the literary piece. Can you imagine? I'm sure that was probably a lot of money back then, but "The Raven" is considered to be one of the greatest literary works of all time. He was only paid $9?

"The Raven" (photo/pinterest.com)

"Annabel Lee" (photo/Etsy.com)

I first read the narrative poem in high school. I like the poem, but I'm more drawn to his final poem, "Annabel Lee." It was the last complete poem Poe composed before his death in 1849. It explores the theme of the death of a beautiful woman. The narrator has a deep love for the woman. It's a beautiful love poem--one that I will always enjoy reading. It contrasts his other works, like "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Fall of the House of Usher," and even "The Raven." It's a love poem, and we could always use those.

Poe and his works have influenced literature around the world, and he will always be remembered for his contributions. His works are as compelling today as they were when they were first published. An innovative and imaginative writer, Poe crafted stories and poems that still shock and move readers.

We celebrate you, Edgar Allan Poe, and we will always turn to your stories each year on Halloween.

-KJL-

Edgar Allan Poe (photo/Poetry Foundation)