Here's why the essay form is appropriate for this work:
* To Create an Illusion of Authority: Poe uses the essay form to lend an air of legitimacy and authority to his claims. By presenting the piece as a reasoned and logical argument, he tricks the reader into believing that he is revealing the actual steps he took in composing "The Raven."
* To Engage in a Literary Conversation: The essay form allowed Poe to engage in a wider literary conversation about the nature of poetry and the principles of composition. By presenting his "theory," he was inviting a critical response, furthering the debate about artistic creation.
* To Offer a "How-To" Guide: Poe's essay, despite being fictional, does offer a set of instructions for writing a poem. While these steps are not truly the ones he followed, they reflect his interest in the technical aspects of poetry and provide a framework for aspiring poets.
The Expository Essay Form as a Tool for Deception:
The genius of "The Philosophy of Composition" lies in its use of the essay form as a vehicle for deception. Poe plays on the reader's expectations, leading them to believe they are witnessing a genuine account of his creative process. This creates a sense of intrigue and allows Poe to explore his own ideas about poetry and the role of the artist in a more subtle and persuasive way.
Therefore, while Poe chose the essay form to create an illusion of authority and engage in a literary conversation, it's important to remember that "The Philosophy of Composition" is not a true expository essay. It's a work of fiction, crafted to entertain and provoke.