What is some of Poe's most favorite work???

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2000

Answers

Michelle,

Without question, the most famous single composition of Edgar Allan Poe has got to be The Raven. It is the literary creation first and most often associated with Poe. Thought to be written, revised and rewritten throughout the latter part of 1844, it was first published in the Evening Mirror and the American Review in January and February of 1845, respectively. It is the story of a man seeking to escape the suffering from the agony and grief for the loss of his lifes greatest love, Lenore.

In terms of Poes own favorite piece, he once said something to the effect that he could instantly recall each and every one of his creations and his method of construction upon request. Whether this is true, I guess we will never know but, for the most part, in his day Edgar was widely known as a poet and literary critic that also happened to write short stories. As for Poe himself, poetry was his passion and, certainly, poetry best suited his genius. However, if I had to guess his own personal favorite work, I would have to say it was Eureka  A Prose Poem. In fact, it was not a poem at all but Edgar has stated in the introduction that he wished it to be judged as such by those of history with an appreciation of his works. Eureka is essentially an essay of Poes thoughts related to the material and spiritual origin and creation of; the existence and expansion of; and the ultimate collapse and conclusion of, the universe. Most interestingly, some scientists and astronomers today feel it to be eerily accurate.

Secondly, I would guess Annabel Lee as another favorite because it is thought to have been written as a reminiscence for his lifes greatest love, his wife Virginia who had died at a young age on January 30, 1847. Written around May of 1849, he had made and signed several copies for his friends to ensure its ultimate publication which occurred two days following his death in Baltimore on October 7, 1849. It is thought to be his last poem.

Thirdly, I would guess The Raven because of the hard won recognition it brought him along with the fame, honor and appreciation for his art that he so richly deserved.

With the exception of his most famous work, the others are merely my own best guesses because I don't think anyone knows for sure. What do you think, Michelle?

Best Regards,

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2000

I can only answer the first part--"The Raven" definitely Poe's most famous work during and after his life.

-- Anonymous, May 12, 2000

He always claimed "Ligeia" was his best story, probably closest to his theory of art and the ideal. The Raven because it not only seemed his most inspired but was extremely popular. However when listing his other poems he seemed to have more personal taste than objective judgment as a criteria. The general consensus of others would be quite different today. Poe's choices tells about Poe and his view of art. Our choices recognize the greatness of the works.

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001

What country is the setting for Edgar Allan Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum"?

-- Anonymous, June 21, 2002

I believe the country of setting for "Pit" is Spain

-- Anonymous, June 10, 2003

I think that 'The Raven' is Poe's gratest poem because it portrays a lot of Poe's feelings.

-- Anonymous, September 20, 2003