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Open Access Knowledge and Scholarship

Date of Award

5-2020

Culminating Project Type

Thesis

Degree Name

English: English Studies: M.A.

Department

English

College

College of Liberal Arts

First Advisor

Monica Pelaez

Second Advisor

Judith Dorn

Third Advisor

Maria Mikolchak

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Keywords and Subject Headings

Edgar Allan Poe, Sentimental Literature, Obsession

Abstract

Edgar Allan Poe’s works have withstood the test of time. Converse to the popular sentimental literature of the time, Poe’s works offer a more intimate and psychological approach. It is through the inner dialogue of his speakers and narrators that Poe challenges the emotional appeal of sentimental literature. By looking at Poe’s poetry and short stories, the common themes of obsession, paranoia, and alienation emerge. Through these themes, Poe’s works serve as cautionary tales to the incomplete nature of sentimental literature towards the full human condition.

Comments/Acknowledgements

I would like to begin by thanking Dr. Pelaez for sharing her knowledge and expertise with me. Her thorough understanding of the timeframe and its materials were substantial in aiding and supporting me throughout my research.

Thank you to my committee of Dr. Pelaez, Dr. Dorn, and Dr. Mikolchak as their guidance and feedback offered me direction and clarity.

I am also thankful to my family as their ongoing support has helped me through this journey.

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