Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer known for his macabre tales and poems. He is considered one of the pioneers of detective fiction and is renowned for his exploration into themes such as madness, death, guilt, and the human psyche.
One of Poe's most famous poems, known for its eerie atmosphere and repetitive refrain.
Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by elements of horror, death, and the supernatural often found in Poe's works.
Psychological Thriller: A subgenre of literature that focuses on the psychological states and motivations of characters; many of Poe's stories fall into this category.