Here's a breakdown of the key points Poe puts forth in "The Philosophy of Composition":
Poe's Creative Process:
* The Effect First: Poe argues that a writer must first determine the desired emotional effect on the reader. He claims he started with the mood of "melancholy" and then chose the most melancholy of all sounds, which he deemed the "long, drawn-out sound" of "the raven."
* Shortness is Key: He believes that a poem should be short enough to be read in one sitting, allowing the reader to fully absorb the mood and meaning.
* The Length and Repetition of the Raven: Poe justifies the repetition of "Nevermore" and the choice of the raven itself as necessary for maintaining the desired melancholy effect and creating a sense of unity and coherence.
* Structure and Symbolism: He describes a carefully planned structure, building towards a climax and then gradually falling away. The raven itself becomes a symbol of despair and the narrator's descent into madness.
Poe's Misleading Claims:
* Poe's "The Raven" was actually written earlier than the essay and was a popular success before he wrote "The Philosophy of Composition." This suggests the essay was written to legitimize his work, not as a factual account of his process.
* Many literary critics have pointed out inconsistencies and deliberate misrepresentations in Poe's essay. For example, the poem's structure is not as rigid as Poe claims, and he clearly didn't come up with the idea of a raven first.
What Poe Achieves with the Essay:
Despite its fictional nature, "The Philosophy of Composition" is a brilliant piece of self-promotion. Poe uses his essay to:
* Elevate his writing to an art form. He portrays himself as a meticulous and intellectual craftsman, rather than a spontaneous, inspired artist.
* Draw attention to "The Raven." The essay serves as a kind of advertisement for his already successful poem.
* Influence literary theory. While not entirely accurate, the essay inspired generations of writers to think about the elements of composition and their relationship to achieving a desired effect.
"The Philosophy of Composition" should be read as a literary performance, a piece of fiction that aims to elevate Poe's reputation and make his work seem more sophisticated and calculated than it actually was. However, the essay remains a fascinating and thought-provoking analysis of the creative process, even if it's not completely accurate.