Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Beautiful Original Poem; To Edgar Allan Poe" is a poem written in 1848 by Sarah Helen Power Whitman, an American poet who was associated with the Romantic literary movement, which was a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in Europe and America in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.  Whitman is known for her works that deal with love, death, and the supernatural. This poem is a tribute to Edgar Allan Poe, who was a contemporary of Whitman's and a prominent figure in American literature.

Context:

To fully understand "Beautiful Original Poem; To Edgar Allan Poe," it is important to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. The mid-19th century was a time of great literary and cultural activity in America, with many writers and artists exploring new forms of expression and experimentation. Poe was one of the most influential writers of this time, and his work had a profound impact on many of his contemporaries, including Whitman.

Content:

The central theme of "Beautiful Original Poem; To Edgar Allan Poe" is a tribute to Poe's contributions to American literature and the influence that his work had on Whitman's own poetry. The poem is written as a celebration of Poe's genius and his unique vision of the world, which Whitman sees as a reflection of her own experiences and feelings. Whitman uses vivid imagery and poetic language to convey the sense of admiration and respect that she has for Poe, as well as the way in which his work has inspired her own creativity.

Form:

"Beautiful Original Poem; To Edgar Allan Poe" is a rhymed poem with a regular meter and stanzas. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, and GG, which gives the poem a musical quality and contributes to its emotional impact. The use of repetition, such as in the repeated phrase "beautiful original," also adds to the poem's structure and rhythm.

Poetic Elements:

Whitman employs several poetic techniques and devices to convey the theme and emotions of the poem. These include figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. For example, the use of the metaphor "thou art a night-bird singing songs of death" emphasizes the sense of Poe's unique vision of the world and the way in which his work explores themes of love and death. Similarly, the use of the image of the "veiled seraphs" creates a sense of mystery and wonder that reinforces the poem's central theme of Poe's genius and his unique perspective on the world.

Summary:

Overall, "Beautiful Original Poem; To Edgar Allan Poe" is a powerful and evocative tribute to one of America's most influential writers. Whitman's use of poetic devices and her vivid descriptions of Poe's work and its influence on her own creativity adds to the emotional impact of the poem and helps to emphasize its central themes. The poem also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of great literature to inspire and influence new generations of writers and artists. However, some critics may argue that the poem presents a simplistic and idealized view of Poe's work, overlooking the complexities and contradictions that define his writing. Nonetheless, "Beautiful Original Poem; To Edgar Allan Poe" remains an important and influential work in American literature and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of its greatest writers.

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