Gregory Alcala
English 48A
Journal for Poe
October 8th, 2009

Quote:
“…with a utter depression of soul which I can compare to no earthly sensation more properly than to the after-dream of the reveller upon opium…” -quoted from The Norton Anthology: American Literature, 7th Edition Vol. B
Summary:
This quote is from the opening of Poe’s more famous work, The Fall of the House of Usher. His language is more eloquent then I am use to reading were today the style of writing is not accustomed. The more literature I read from further back in history becomes more and more rich that expands my vocabulary. This quote is setting the mood and atmosphere around the House of Usher. The reader finds out the darkness that is inside the house but it also settling around the house and darkening the lake surrounding the house. The dark and depressing mood surrounding the house could not be expanded to anyone and draws a comparison to set it a realistic term.

Quote:
“The historical Edgar Allan Poe has appeared as a fictionalized character, often representing the "mad genius" or "tormented artist" and exploiting his personal struggles.” -quote from Neimeyer, Mark. "Poe and Popular Culture", The Cambridge Companion to Edgar Allan Poe. Cambridge University Press, 2002

Summary:
Edgar Allan Poe has been characterized as the dark poet. The mood of much of his popular writing have a Gothic tone throughout. When thinking of Poe or mentioning his work to others the general idea of the macabre comes to the front of one's mind. I've seen cartoon versions of The Raven aired on TV during Halloween which seems to be very appropriate.

Response:
The name of Edgar Allan Poe is know to all English students. His stories are share with the season of Halloween in America. That is how I first heard the story of The Tell Tale Heart and The Raven. Poe's writing have been adapted to film and other genres to reach many audiences. The story of his life only makes his works interesting to people how might even know a faction of it.