[Richard Meyer]

Edgar Allan Poe

A forthcoming movie titled The Raven is advertised as a murder mystery and thriller based on the final days of Edgar Allan Poe. This got me thinking about Poe’s reputation as a poet and where he stands in the field of contemporary literary criticism.

During discussions on a variety of Eratosphere boards, readers often reference many past and present poets in their commentaries, ranging from the acknowledged masters to little known moderns. Within this continual flow of names, I rarely if ever recall seeing any mention of Poe.

Poe certainly holds a prominent place in American literature, and his contributions as an editor, critic, and story writer are generally acknowledged. But what of his poetry? How has his verse held up to the test of time? How do present-day poets look upon his work?

As with nearly all writers, Poe’s stature and significance have fluctuated with time, but his reputation seems to have taken a heavier thumping than that of other prominent writers. I wonder if any present-day critic places him in the first-rank of American poets. Early on the French embraced Poe as a genius, and his influence on French literature is significant. But how much importance should be placed on the French view? After all, the French also revere the American comedian and entertainer Jerry Lewis—an excessive admiration that has always puzzled many Americans.

Although the circumstances of Poe’s life, his prose writing, and his Romantic character may outweigh his contributions as a poet, among his small output of poetry I find flashes of brilliance.

One poem from the American canon that has been a longtime favorite of mine is Poe’s “Eldorado.” It’s a gem worth admiring.

Eldorado

xxGaily bedight,
xxA gallant knight,
In sunshine and in shadow,
xxHad journeyed long,
xxSinging a song,
In search of Eldorado.

xxBut he grew old—
xxThis knight so bold—
And o'er his heart a shadow
xxFell, as he found
xxNo spot of ground
That looked like Eldorado.

xxAnd, as his strength
xxFailed him at length
He met a pilgrim shadow—
xx"Shadow," said he,
xx"Where can it be—
This land of Eldorado?"

xx"Over the Mountains
xxOf the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
xxRide, boldly ride,"
xxThe shade replied—
"If you seek for Eldorado!"

This little verse exhibits all the skill, control, tightness, and craft found in his best short stories. I enjoy reciting this poem aloud for the sheer pleasure of the sounds. There’s not a wasted or unnecessary word in this compact and lyrical narrative. The literal and symbolic elements employed here merge together seamlessly, and the progression of story and emotion throughout the four stanzas is both deft and striking. The way Poe uses the word shadow is a masterful touch—placing it at the end of the third line of each stanza and subtly changing its meaning and emphasis. Similarly, the repetition of the word Eldorado in the varied final line of each stanza takes on a shifting music and meaning.

Although Poe desired to be remembered as a poet, his legacy largely rests on the Gothic horror tales he created. Nonetheless, his poem “Eldorado” continues to shine in my list of favorite American poems.

Richard