The Romantic Period and Edgar Allan Poe

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The Romantic Period is characterized as an artistic and intellectually stimulating literary movement. Writers of this genre and time are considered to be those who fused the elements of romance in their writings to enhance the human experience. Edgar Allan Poe, known as the father of the modern short story, epitomizes this notion in his writings. In “Annabel Lee,” and “The Oval Portrait,” Edgar Allan Poe uses romance to illustrate the essence of death and misery and to illustrate elements in which the reader can actually feel that was is happening in the story is happening to them.

In “The Oval Portrait”, Edgar Allan Poe creates a setting in an abandoned castle where the main character and his valet are forced to take shelter in after an unknown accident wounds the main character. Edgar Allen Poe creates a mysterious and spooky ambient that illustrates both horror and misery. Upon sighting the painting of the young woman, the main character is amazed at the life like qualities of it. He remains sited for almost an hour just looking at the painting. He then decides to educate himse...

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