Style:
* Southern Gothic: Poe is considered a pioneer of the Southern Gothic genre, characterized by dark, macabre themes, grotesque imagery, and a focus on the psychological state of characters. Faulkner extensively explored these elements in his own works, setting them in the decaying Southern landscape.
* Use of Symbolism: Both Poe and Faulkner utilized symbolism heavily in their writing. Poe's symbolism often revolves around death, decay, and the supernatural, while Faulkner's symbolism is more complex and often relates to the history and culture of the American South.
* Focus on the Unreliable Narrator: Both authors frequently employed unreliable narrators, characters whose perceptions of events are skewed or biased. This adds a layer of ambiguity and complexity to their stories.
* Exploration of the Dark Side of Human Nature: Both writers delve into the dark side of human nature, exploring themes of guilt, sin, and the consequences of our actions.
Themes:
* The Nature of Reality: Both Poe and Faulkner grapple with the nature of reality, questioning the boundaries between the physical and the metaphysical.
* Time and Memory: Faulkner's exploration of time and memory, particularly in his use of the stream-of-consciousness technique, echoes Poe's fascination with the past and the human mind.
* The Power of the Past: Both authors explored how the past continues to haunt the present, shaping the lives and destinies of characters.
However, it's important to note that Faulkner's writing is far more complex and expansive than Poe's. Faulkner's works are known for their intricate plots, multiple perspectives, and exploration of the social and historical complexities of the South.
While Faulkner may not have directly studied Poe, it's likely that he was influenced by Poe's work through exposure to the Southern Gothic tradition and the broader literary landscape of his time. His works, while distinct in their own right, bear the imprint of Poe's legacy, demonstrating the enduring influence of a master of the macabre on subsequent generations of writers.