Edgar Allan Poe never wrote "The Raven," he merely claimed authorship with a kind of 19th-century "identity theft." The poem was first submitted anonymously to "American Review" under the pseudonym "---- Quarles" by the true author, Mathew Franklin Whittier, younger brother of poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Poe, a critic for the New York "Evening Mirror," finding the poem in an advance copy of "American Review," scooped Mathew in his own paper by two days. Mathew had shared a copy of "The Raven" with Poe in early 1842, so Poe had a handwritten copy in his possession. This enabled him to convince his editor that he had permission to scoop "American Review"--but he mysteriously left the "Mirror" shortly afterwards (suggesting that he may have been fired for lying about it). It is the height of absurdity that the editor of a newly-launched monthly literary magazine like the "Review," would have given a daily newspaper this permission. The real author was not in a position to reveal his identity because of his anti-slavery work and connection with the Underground Railroad, and hence could not publicly defend himself. My paper, "Evidence that Edgar Allan Poe Stole 'The Raven' from Mathew Franklin Whittier," can be downloaded from the following link, or it can be read by searching for the paper's title in Academia.edu. www.ial.goldthread.com/MFW_The_Raven.pdf
Magnificent explanation. Berenice is one of my favourite Poe's stories. I love the atmosphere he created in this narration. Greetings from Argentina.
Great insights, any chance we could more Poe analysis? I would be fascinated to hear your thoughts on Ligeia or The Fall of the House of Usher
Interesting. I'm glad you explained the quote...I was a bit lost with that.
Thanks for this video, it was really interesting!
Thank you sir, you helped me with my revision for my final exam
Great explanation
Edgar Allan Poe never wrote "The Raven," he merely claimed authorship with a kind of 19th-century "identity theft." The poem was first submitted anonymously to "American Review" under the pseudonym "---- Quarles" by the true author, Mathew Franklin Whittier, younger brother of poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Poe, a critic for the New York "Evening Mirror," finding the poem in an advance copy of "American Review," scooped Mathew in his own paper by two days. Mathew had shared a copy of "The Raven" with Poe in early 1842, so Poe had a handwritten copy in his possession. This enabled him to convince his editor that he had permission to scoop "American Review"--but he mysteriously left the "Mirror" shortly afterwards (suggesting that he may have been fired for lying about it). It is the height of absurdity that the editor of a newly-launched monthly literary magazine like the "Review," would have given a daily newspaper this permission. The real author was not in a position to reveal his identity because of his anti-slavery work and connection with the Underground Railroad, and hence could not publicly defend himself. My paper, "Evidence that Edgar Allan Poe Stole 'The Raven' from Mathew Franklin Whittier," can be downloaded from the following link, or it can be read by searching for the paper's title in Academia.edu.
www.ial.goldthread.com/MFW_The_Raven.pdf
That is interesting to look into. Thank you for your input. I will read your paper. Best regards!