Was it becasue he was mad?

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If many people thought that Poe was mad and perhaps a alcoholic how was he then able to write such intellegent story lines? Or do you think it is because of all his problems that he was able to write such great stories?

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2000

Answers

Megan, I think because of all the personal problems he encountered in life, Poe was able to convey his frustrations and dark side onto paper. Had he not been kicked out of West Point we may never have had the pleasure of his works. Read "Spirits of The Dead" or "Tamerlane" and see how Poe can put his own demons onto paper. The fact that he was an alcoholic, addict or insane is immaterial at this point. Roger Waters from Pink Floyd was in and out of insane asylums and managed to produce some of the most amazing music to this day.

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2000

Megan, I think that Poe's personal problems effected his writing more than alcohol. I think that any time you have to deal with those types of problems it is hard even for us today much less for him that long ago. Another idea that I had why Poe wrote in the style he did was because it gave him an edge. Th reason I say he had an edge was because at the time he was the only writer using that particular style. I agree with what Mr. Kosmicki said I don't think he was mad because his stories are written with such perciseness. I find it hard to believe anyone could write like that and be considered mad.

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2000

I really don't know for sure if Poe had a drinking problem but saying that he did, I don't think that he was really mad. With all the problems in his life he released his aggression or stress through his writing. That is how he is able to write the great story lines. Even if he did drink I don't think it had too much to do with his writing. From how I percieve Poe he was a very intelligent man with a hard life. Michelle

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2000

I think that substance abuse and "insanity" are major factors in one's ability to write fiction. If you are having these issues already, you are bound to have a great imagination and if you can get people to pay enough attention then you are bound to have your work in print, even if it is the maddness in your story that does so. I really don't think that Poe had as many problems as he appeared to. I think it was pure imagination and not induced imagination that really made his stories great. Also, the madness of it all was what held the attenion I think.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

Poe was a genious-look at all his works-he obviously knows what he is doing. To put it mildly, he had different and inventive perceptions of the world-and heknew how to develop those different views into great pieces of work. He was probably off his rocker, but I must say it added to his talent!

-- Anonymous, May 30, 2000


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