Project Background

This seminar paper was my final project for my graduate Introduction to Poe class. During the class, we discussed the inaccurate reputation of Poe as a brooding author and how that representation has affected his memorialization since his death. I was originally inspired by the Poe statue in Boston and how the sculptor included meticulous details to “tell the story” of Poe and his life.

My paper examines the history and design of the Poe statue in Baltimore. While less visually striking and intentionally-designed than I had originally hoped, a close analysis of the statue reveals references to Poe’s personal philosophies on life and writing.