American Literature
Edgar Allan Poe Essay
MWenger
Perhaps one of the most infamous, controversial, dark and popular figures of American
Literature is Edgar Allan Poe. Tragedy seemed to follow his every footstep in life and mystery
still swirls around his death. While his short fiction and poetry seem severe and far-fetched, they
do not sway too much from the turmoil Poe endured. After reading and discussing several
diverse pieces written by the Gothic Romantic writer Edgar Allan Poe, you should have a clear
understanding of his trials, themes and writing style. From the vast collection of Poe’s fiction
and poetry, choose one piece to analyze for this project. There are three components to this
project. These elements are listed below with the list of requirements for each.
1. Double Journal entry (30 points)
While reading the short story or poem, choose 15 quotes which exemplify various literary
components such as:
Gothic Romantic/Poe themes:
Premature Death/Buried Alive
Architecture (Gothic and how tied to atmosphere)
Forbidden Knowledge (dying and coming back to report on death)
Cosmic Perspective
Depiction of Women
Revenge
Characterization
Pursued Protagonist
Unreliable Narrator
Dynamic change of characters throughout piece
Human psychology (mental ailments)
Doppelganger
Parallels to Poe’s life
Style of the piece
Establishing Effect (mood…and how tied to atmosphere)
Literary Devices
II. Plot Analysis (30 points)
Complete the necessary information and chart the plot summary, identify literary devices
used, and elements regarding theme
III. Artwork Analysis (20 points)
After your double journal entry and analysis of the story, locate a piece of artwork which
exemplifies some element of the piece chosen. Consider such elements such as theme,
specific Gothic Romantic characteristic, etc. You must explain the connection between
the artwork and the literature in paragraph form. Print a copy to hand in with assignment.
**class work points..30% of average
Due date_____________________________________
Plot Analysis
Name_____________________________________
Identify each of the following:
Setting:
Mood:
Point of View:
Central Conflict:
Protagonist:
Antagonist:
Inciting Cause:
Climax:
Resolution:
Genre:
______________________________________________________________________________
Artwork:
Title:
Artist:
Date created:
MLA format of resource where artwork found: