Edgar Poe and his Critics (eBook)

Sarah Helen Whitman (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
31 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654702050-9 (EAN)

Infos

In "Edgar Poe and his Critics," Sarah Helen Whitman embarks on a meticulous exploration of the literary landscape surrounding Edgar Allan Poe, intertwining critical essays and biographical insights that illuminate his creative genius. Whitman adopts a reflective and sometimes elegiac prose style, which captures the nuances of 19th-century literary criticism while providing an empathetic lens through which to view Poe's struggles and triumphs. Positioned against the backdrop of American Romanticism, Whitman's work critiques prevailing notions about Poe, challenging dismissive attitudes and emphasizing his profound influence on the Gothic and American literary traditions. Sarah Helen Whitman, a poet and intellectual in her own right, was deeply connected to Poe not only through their literary circles but also through a brief romantic relationship. Her personal insights, coupled with her scholarly background, provide a unique perspective on Poe's life and works. Whitman's engagement with the contemporary literary scene and her close acquaintance with the tumultuous life of Poe grant her an authority that enriches her arguments, making her critiques all the more poignant. For readers and scholars alike, "Edgar Poe and his Critics" serves as an essential text that deepens the understanding of Poe's complex literary legacy. Whitman's eloquent prose and incisive critique make this a must-read for those seeking to appreciate the tumultuous interplay between Poe's creativity and the societal forces at play in his time.

Autor

Sarah Helen Whitman (1803–1878) was an American poet, essayist, and transcendentalist thinker, who remains best known for her romantic involvement with Edgar Allan Poe and her scholarly defense of his work. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Whitman became a prominent figure in the literary circles of New England. Her poetry often explored themes of spirituality, the supernatural, and woman's role in society, exhibiting a lyrical grace that aligned her with the transcendentalist movement of the time. Her literary style fused the intellectual with the mystical, reflecting a strong influence of the Romantic period. Whitman's most notable work, 'Edgar Poe and his Critics' (1860), stands as a poignant defense of Poe's character and writing against the harsh critiques of his contemporaries. In this critical biography, a genre rare for women writers of that era, she provided insightful and compassionate analysis of Poe's literary contributions, as well as rebuttals to his detractors' claims, thus seeking to preserve Poe's legacy. Whitman's engagement in literary criticism demonstrates her role as a mediator between the misunderstood genius of Poe and the American public. Her insightful commentaries contributed to the re-evaluation of Poe's work in the American canon and showcased her intellectual acumen and dedication to literary integrity.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 29.5.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Essays / Feuilleton
• Themenwelt: Kunst / Musik / Theater ► Malerei / Plastik
• Schlagworte: 1860s works • 19th Century American Literature • 19th century literary critique • 19th century literature • american literary criticism • American Romanticism • Authentic Criticism Method • autobiographies • Biographies • Contemporary literary critique • Criticism • Culture • Edgar Allan Poe Analysis • edgar allan poe biography • Edgar Poe analysis • Gothic literature studies • Gothic storytelling techniques • History • Humanities • Literary criticism • Literary Dispassion • Literary influence study • Literary Morality Study • Memoirs • Non-fiction • Poe biography insights • Poe scholars • Poe's critical reception • Poe's literary legacy • Poe's thematic exploration • Poet Essayist Relationship • poetic style examination • romantic poetry analysis • Romantic Transcendentalism • Sarah Helen Whitman author • Sarah Helen Whitman Works • Spiritualism Criticism • Women in literary history