Edgar Allen Poe's Writing

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the style of Edgar Allen Poe's writing. It specifically discusses his style, as seen in "The System of Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether", one of his most successful "comedies". The paper shows how Poe uses the imagery of an ape to develop a strong theme throughout his work and manipulate the reader's understanding through interplay of hoaxes.

From the Paper:

""Tarred and Fethered" as well as "Rue Morgue" are emblematic of Poe's style of humor. It is not intended to be "funny" in the traditional sense but is rather an elaborate hoax. Once the hoax is discovered the reader has a sense of "funny violation", in that we have discovered the hidden key and secret of the narrative. The projection of men as ape is a symbol of our base nature and the extension of our Id. This theme is strongly established through both of these narratives. Poe problematizes humor by consistently challenging us to identify the nature of his humor and who he is directing it to. "Tarred and Fethered" is an extremely elaborate hoax, and Poe uses the subtle contrasts between the genius and the dupe, to lure the reader further and further into his trap. In the end it appears harmless, as we confidently feel that we mastered the riddle. Poe presents the narrator of "Tarred and Fethered" as the final dupe, and leaves us only with a chuckle at the strange but fascinating tale."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Poe's Ape of UnReason: Humor, Ritual, and Culture, by John Bryant Nineteenth-Century Literature (c) 1996 University of California Press

More papers on Edgar Allen Poe's Writing:

• Analytical Essay # 30999 : "Edgar Allen Poe"
• Analytical Essay # 40140 : "Edgar Allen Poe: History and Writings"
• Book Review # 98294 : "Death, Justice and Edgar Allen Poe"

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