The Raven, and The Philosophy of Composition

The Raven, and The Philosophy of Composition

The initial intention of the publishers to present The Raven without preface, notes, or other extraneous matter that might detract from an undivided appreciation of the poem, has been somewhat modified by the introduction of Poes prose essay, The Philosophy of Composition. If any justification were necessary, it is to be found both in the unique literary interest of the essay, and in the fact that it is (or purports to be) a frank exposition of the modus operandi by which The Raven was written. It is felt that no other introduction could be more happily conceived or executed. Coming from Poes own hand, it directly avoids the charge of presumption; and written in Poes most felicitous style, it entirely escapes the defectnot uncommon in analytical treatisesof pedantry. It is indeed possible, as some critics assert, that this supposed analysis is purely fictitious. If so, it becomes all the more distinctive as a marvelous bit of imaginative writing, and as such ranks equally with that wild snatch of melody, The Raven. But these same critics would lead us further to believe that The Raven itself is almost a literal translation of the work of a Persian poet. If they be again correct, Poes genius as seen in the creation of The Philosophy of Composition is far more startling than it has otherwise appeared; and robbed of his bay leaves in the realm of poetry, he is to be crowned with a double wreath of berried holly for his prose. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 55749
Author: Poe, Edgar Allan
Release Date: Oct 14, 2017
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Illustrator: Jenkins, Will , Perrett, Galen J., 1875-1949