On The Aesthetic Qualities Of Edgar Allan Poe's Poetry

Edgar Allan Poe is singled out in the 19t h century American literary world by the foresightedness and originality of his aesthetic perspective which has also profoundly influenced the Euro-American and even the world literature. The studies of Poe's poetry in China are mainly the appreciations of the themes and the musical effect of the several well-known poems. There is still a lack in the systematic study of Poe's poetry in relation to its deeper aesthetic meanings. Based on the former research results, the thesis interprets the aesthetic elements in Poe's poetry by a close textual study in accordance with the relative aesthetic ideas. The whole research revolves against the aesthetic qualities of Poe's poetry. For the poet, Beauty is a subjective experience created by certain poetical effects. And Beauty is most typically demonstrated in his obsession with death theme, his appeal for morbid beauty and atmospheric effect, and his innovation and exploration of Beauty in poetry forms. Be it Death, morbidity or aesthetic forms or verses, they all serve to create a unified effect of"the excitement of the soul", thus enabling the readers a special aesthetic experience in an excitement of the soul.