《美国文学》教学课件Edgar Allan Poe.ppt

Edgar Allan Poe Poe’s Unique Position in American literature Poe was the first major American critic who offered a set of formulated principles in relation to the criticism of literature as well as to the creation of the work of art. Poe is the first American author who formalized the technique of the short story. Poe invented the detective story and is regarded as the father of the modern short story and also turned out the earliest American detective fiction and science fiction. Edgar Allan Poe I. A brief introduction to Poe Edgar Allan Poe is considered one of the most gifted writers of American literature. Born in Boston Adopted by John Allan Educated in England from 1815-1820 Entered the University of Virginia in 1826 Edgar Allan Poe In 1827, enlisted in the Army , served at West Point From 1830, became an editor In 1836 ,married his 13-year-old cousin Virginia Clemm In 1847, his wife died In 1849, Poe died Poe’s Literary Achievements Major poetry: Poems 《诗集》 The Raven 《乌鸦》 To Helen 《致海伦》 Israfel 《依兹拉菲尔》 Annabel Lee 《安娜贝尔丽》 Poe’s Poetic theories The poem should be short, readable at one sitting. The chief aim of poem is beauty, to produce a feeling of beauty in the reader . Melancholy is the most legitimate of all the poetic tones. The death of a beautiful woman is the most poetical topic in the world. The Raven Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore--While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.Tis some visiter, I muttered, tapping at my chamber door--Only this and nothing more.  II. Poes Theory of the Short Story  1).The primary purpose of a short story is to create an effect, then the writer may proceed to find the events and characters in aid of constructing the effect. 2) The very first sentence of the story should bring out this effect. 3)A short story, according to Poe, must be