Poetry - Classic Text | Alexandria
Among the most influential theoretical works on poetic composition, Edgar Allan Poe's "Poetry" (1850) stands as a seminal exploration of verse's essence and purpose. Originally published in Sartain's Union Magazine of Literature and Art, this essay emerged from Poe's larger work "The Poetic Principle" and represents the culmination of his literary philosophy developed through years of criticism and creative writing.
The essay's genesis can be traced to Poe's earlier critical writings, particularly his 1846 piece "The Philosophy of Composition," but "Poetry" distills his theoretical framework to its purest form. In this work, Poe boldly challenges the prevailing Romantic notion that poetry should serve a moral or didactic purpose, instead arguing for what he terms "the Poetry of words" - a pure expression of Beauty that elevates the soul through its rhythmic and musical qualities.
Central to Poe's argument is his revolutionary definition of poetry as "the Rhythmical Creation of Beauty," emphasizing that its primary aim should be to evoke an emotional response rather than convey truth or moral lessons. This perspective proved particularly controversial in mid-19th century America, where literature was often expected to serve utilitarian or educational purposes. Poe's insistence on "supernal Beauty" as poetry's sole legitimate aim represented a radical departure from contemporary literary thought.
The essay's influence extends far beyond its immediate historical context, helping shape the development of Symbolist poetry in France and modernist poetics globally. Its emphasis on musical effects and emotional impact prefigured later developments in literary theory, particularly the French Symbolist movement led by Charles Baudelaire, who was deeply influenced by Poe's works. Contemporary scholars continue to debate Poe's assertions, particularly his controversial claim that long poems cannot maintain the unity of effect he deemed essential to poetic excellence.
Today, "Poetry" remains a cornerstone text in literary criticism, its principles echoing through discussions of artistic purpose and aesthetic theory. Its enduring relevance lies not only in its theoretical framework but in its passionate defense of art for art's sake, challenging readers to reconsider their fundamental understanding of poetic expression and its role in human experience.