"Unutterable Wo": An Attempt to Achieve the Creative Male Self Through Feminine Influence in the Life and Work of Edgar Allan Poe

Author

Catherine A. Twitero

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1995

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department / School

English

First Advisor

Lou Williams

Abstract

This thesis examines Edgar Allan Poe's relationships with women in his life and how these relationships influence the plot structure of many of his tales and the subject matter of his poetry. It takes into consideration the role of the Cult of True Womanhood and the Age of the Beautiful Death in the nineteenth-century and how it affected Poe's life and work, and it includes a biography specific to Poe' relationships with women. Poe believed that only through feminine influence could man achieve a higher state of consciousness. This theme appeared in all areas of his work: his critical essays, tales, and poetry.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Poe, Edgar Allan, 1809-1849 -- Relations with women
Poe, Edgar Allan, 1809-1849 -- Criticism and interpretation
Poe, Edgar Allan, 1809-1849 -- Characters -- Women

Format

application/pdf

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Recommended Citation

Twitero, Catherine A., ""Unutterable Wo": An Attempt to Achieve the Creative Male Self Through Feminine Influence in the Life and Work of Edgar Allan Poe" (1995). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 164.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/164