Many of Poe's tales are distinguished by the author's unique grotesque ideas in addition to his superb plots. In an article titled "Poe's humor: A Psychological

Analysis," by Paul Lewis, he states: "Appropriately it seems to me, that to see Poe only as an elitist whose jokes could not be grasped by a general audience is to sell

him short. He does not deny this elitist side of Poe; but he holds for a broader, more universal less intellectual humor that screams out from the center of Poe's work.

(532) This article provides important insight to understanding the nature of the humor and its relationship to the overwhelming horror in some of Poe's work. Lewis'

believes that humor and fear have a special relationship in Poe's tales. Humor, taken to its limits, leads the reader to fear. He says, "Over and over, when humor fails,

we are left with images of fear: the raven's shadow, the howling cat, the putrescence corpse, or the fallen house. (535)

According to Lewis, in The Black Cat and Ligeia, h

broke off Poe's engagement to Sarah Elmira Royster, his Richmond sweetheart. Lacking any means of support, Poe enlisted in the army. According to Robert

street. In a brief obituary the Baltimore Clipper reported that Poe had died of congestion of the brain. Edgar Allan Poe was a writer who is known for giving

sought to establish himself as a force in literary journalism, but with only moderate success. According to author William Bittner: "He did succeed, however, in

produced some of the most influential literary criticism of his time-important theoretical statements on poetry, short story, and Poe has had a worldwide influence on

out qualities of human character. In his short story, The Cask of Amontillado, he uses details of horror and repulsion to create the setting. The setting is important to

characterize his poetry", says Wells. (212) Poe next took up residence in Baltimore with his widowed aunt, Maria Clemm, and her daughter, Virginia, and turned to

literature and eerie and bizarre twist. Many of Poe's stories take place in exotic and dreary locations. Poe's use of setting and place evoke atmosphere and brings

was to become one of his most famous stories" (212 & 227-8) Whether or not Poe invented the short story, it is certain that he originated the novel of detection.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1412
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)