The Philosophy of Composition

Poe claims that, when writing “The Raven,” his goal was to produce a work that was “universally appreciable.” Do you agree with his views that there are topics that will be appreciated and liked by everyone? Justify your answer.

Poe proposes that a writer must first think about the end of a work (the outcome of the plot or the effect of the poem) and proceed backward. Can you think of positive or negative aspects of this method?

Poe argues that the best poems or narratives are those that can be read in one sitting because otherwise the author will sacrifice the “unity of effect” (545). Do you agree? Can you think of situations or types of artistic works in which an author may want to sacrifice the unity of effect?

What room, if any, does Poe leave for inspiration in the artistic process? What do you think about this?

For Poe, the highest manifestation of “Beauty” is sadness or melancholy. What do you think of this? Does he leave room for a happy or positive notion of beauty? Do you think our culture shares Poe’s view?

Relate Poe’s notion that the dead beloved woman is the most poetic topic to his short stories such as “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “Ligeia,” “The Oval Portrait,” or “Berenice.”

How does Poe put into practice his theory regarding the adequate length and the “unity of effect” of a literary work? Choose one of his short stories or poems to illustrate your argument.

Poe seems to reserve the role of the writer for a heterosexual male. What role is reserved for women? Do you think Poe considered the possibility of women writers?