Poe vs. Shakespeare free essay sample

The Comparison of Edgar Allan Poe and William Shakespeare Brandi Greene University Composition and Communication I/COM155 May 9th, 2013 University of Phoenix The Comparison of Edgar Allan Poe and William Shakespeare Many have been inspired by the likes of Edgar Allen Poe and Shakespeare in literature but, there are similarities and differences between the two. Each author could lure their audiences by the characteristics of their writing. Their places in society also differed, as each had different ways of dealing with the people in their society. Furthermore, the influences each of them had in literature have molded how many people see them as transcendent and prestigious authors. The types of writing that Poe and Shakespeare wrote can be compared and contrasted in two categories, genre and language. Both Poe and Shakespeare wrote tragedies, but Shakespeare was also fluent in comedies like â€Å"Taming of the Shrew† and romance, such as â€Å"The Tempest. † Poe was only familiar with tragedy in a dark and mysterious sense, such as, â€Å"The Raven. In Poe’s day, there were essentially five genres of â€Å"popular† stories: Romances (Sentimental and Historical), Morality tales, Humor/Burlesques, Adventures (mostly sea yarns, and later stories of the frontier) and tales of Sensation. (European Graduate School EGS, 1997-2012) Poe later, was also widely recognized as the inventor of modern detective stories and a mastermind in the science fiction genre. His writings were a reflection from the era of the Dark Romantics, the Gothic genre, and the use of his own personal issues. Every short story or poem written by Poe has had a dark ambiance about it. The works of Poe are diverse and includes classics as â€Å"The Fall of the House of Usher†, â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart†, and â€Å"The Black Cat. † The contributing factor of the predominate theme in his work of a lovely woman’s death was because of the losses of his mother and wife. This motif is perhaps most splendidly diagnosed in â€Å"The Raven as the orator utilizes his despair â€Å"for the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore. † (Poe, 1845,11) Looking further into these dark works, Poe composed satirical creations like, â€Å"Mellonta Tauta,† a satire of such subtly defiant credence and thoughtful insights as to bewilder the mind. Another difference between their writing was, the language used between the two authors, which was influenced by the time eras they lived in. Poes writing used an intricate vocabulary that created mysterious imagery to capture and lure the reader into the story like in â€Å"The Raven†, â€Å"But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only, That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour. † (Poe, 1845, 55-56) Shakespeare wrote in the language that was used in his time, the Renaissance or more specifically Elizabethan times. Shakespeare was a master of the artistry of the English language. He wrote with such fluency of thought, word, rhythm, and sound that the works were presented in a elaborate manner, but not so incomprehensible, even for the inexperienced reader. He used unrhymed iambic pentameter in his writing, which made it sound more like poetry when spoken. This was used because most of his works were plays and were intended to be performed. â€Å"O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And Ill no longer be a Capulet. † (Shakespeare, 1914, 1. 2. 7-40) Shakespeare often on occasion created his own form of grammar and vocabulary, much of which has since become generally used. Both of the examples show the difference in language and genres between the two writers. Can you see the undertones of each authors’ works as a tragedy of love? The writers’ place in society greatly affected their lifestyles. Shakespeare thrived in society. His works became popular through out England. Many came from all around just to attend one of his plays. Shakespeare also knew that in order to stay financially stable, he had to write plays that would please the people of his society. His life in society was greatly indebted to the approval and support of royal and noble personages, such as, Queen Elizabeth and King James I. This made him highly respected in society and in turn, led to his financial stability throughout his life. Poe on the other hand, was not very successful in society. Despite the criticism of his works, he did not care what society had to say and wrote what he wanted. This is one of the reasons he was not very successful financially as well. Poe had other setbacks financially that made him struggle in life. While attending the University of Virginia within the first year, Poe had accumulated large gambling debts which caused him to be estranged from his adoptive family. Likewise while living in Baltimore, one of Poe’s cousins robbed him during the night. Another financial setback for Poe, occurred when his father died, and he was left out of the will. It was not until his 1845 publication of â€Å"The Raven† that made Poe a household name in society. His life was defined by personal and professional upheaval. His wife,Virginia, had a bout with tuberculosis which exasperated his drinking for which he was known in society as a drunkard and a madman. Unfortunately for Poe, not only in 1847 did his wife die, but also his mother as well. In turn, he was devastated and could not write for months. He only lived two more years until his death in 1849. Poes works were not fully recognized until after his death. So unlike Shakespeare, he barely eked by in life financially and his position in society was very diverse. Each writers influence in literature varied from one another. Although both are very notable in the history of literature, Shakespeare is still considered one of the most influential authors in the English language and his works are the most published, second only to the bible. Shakespeare had many worthy plays such as, â€Å"Hamlet,† â€Å"Romeo and Juliet,† and â€Å"Macbeth. † These works have been used profoundly in literature courses around the world. Therefore, there can be no doubt that substantial knowledge of the works of William Shakespeare is necessary for any education of literature to be considered complete and well rounded. The remarkable writing skills in which Shakespeare created his precise portrayals of human truth have not been rivaled or reiterated since his death, nearly four hundred years ago. Poe on the other hand, is recognized as one of the oremost ascendants of modern literature. His works are also used in literature courses but not as widely as Shakespeare. In his works, Poe was more concerned with displaying his virtuosity than expressing his â€Å"soul. † Unlike Poe, Shakespeare could summarize the range of human emotions in simple, yet profoundly articulate verse. Poe maintained an ironic, rather tha n an autobiographical, relationship to his writings. Most of his writings had an undertone or a dark hidden message that enabled the reader to question their sanity. He impacted various writers and thinkers including Charles Baudelaire, Jules Verne, H. P. Lovecraft and most notably Jacques Lacan. Specifically, Lacan lectured and wrote extensively on Edgar Allan Poe’s â€Å"The Purloined Letter. Jacques Lacan used Edgar Allan Poe’s story to elucidate the Freudian conception of how the symbolic order establishes subject through an orientation to a signifier. (European Graduate School EGS, 1997-2012) Although Poe was truly original, his place in literature is oftentimes eclipsed by the cryptic verse of Emily Dickinson and the extensive works of Walt Whitman. Edgar Allen Poes legacy continues through his present-day popularity as a writer. His works have powerful modality and communicative elements that stimulate artists and thinkers. As for Shakespeare, people look to his works as the standard in literature, and as a truly spectacular author. Both of these writers influences and contributions are celebrated and greatly gratified in the world of literature today. In spite the differences between these two authors, they have both become world renown authors whose works continue to be used throughout the education of writing and composition in many literature courses throughout the world. So, if you find yourself not able to express words on how you feel about love, music or growing older, Shakespeare can speak for you; or if find yourself wanting to indulge into a more darker, unfathomable path, Poe is definitely the author best to question your sanity. To best quote Shakespeare, â€Å"To be, or not to be, that is the question. † (Shakespeare, 1914, 3. 1. 66) References Mabillard, A. (2000, August 20). Why study Shakespeare?. Retrieved from http://www. shakespeare-online. com/biography/whystudyshakespeare. html Brown, Henry. Shakespeares patrons other essays. London: J. M. Dent sons, 1912. Shakespeare Online. 0 Aug. 2009. (Accessed on: April 30th, 2013) http://www. shakespeare-online. com/biography/patronelizabeth. html Poe Museum of Richmond, visited on May 1st,2013 http://www. poemuseum. org. European Graduate School. (1997-2012). Edgar Allan Poe Biography. Retrieved from http://www. egs. edu/library/edgar-allan-poe/ Poe, E. A. (1845). The Raven. Craig, W . J. , ed. â€Å"Romeo and Juliet†Ã‚  The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. 1914; Bartleby. com, 2000. www. bartleby. com/ Craig, W. J. , ed. â€Å"Hamlet, Prince of Denmark†Ã‚  The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. 1914; Bartleby. com, 2000. www. bartleby. com/