Edgar Allan Poe's contribution to literary criticism is both notable and complex. As a prolific writer of poetry and fiction, Poe adhered to the belief that a writer's creative output provides the foundation for credible critique. Despite his often vitriolic and narrow viewpoints, Poe's critical essays reveal a careful consideration of literary principles, making his work significant in the field of American literary criticism.

Poe's Early Views on Criticism

Poe's critical journey began with his "Letter" in the preface to his POEMS of 1831, which outlined his nascent theories on poetry and criticism. Although this essay was youthful and brimming with inconsistencies, it laid the groundwork for his mature critical thought. Poe echoed Alexander Pope's assertion that only poets can truly judge poetry, despite occasionally citing non-poet critics like Aristotle. His early writings were marked by a disdain for the reverence of foreign authors over American ones, often expressed through attacks on fellow poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge. Poe's critique of Wordsworth was notably scathing, reflecting his belief that poetry should evoke pleasure over truth, and emphasizing the importance of music and indefiniteness in verse.

The Science of Literary Criticism

As Poe's career progressed, particularly during his tenure as editor for The Southern Literary Messenger and Graham’s Magazine, he began to refine his views on criticism as a science. He argued that criticism should be based on immutable principles of human reason and emotion, challenging the trend of blind patriotism in American literary reviews. Poe was known for his unrelenting critiques of fellow American writers, such as Theodore S. Fay’s NORMAN LESLIE, which he dismantled for its implausible narrative and excessive language. In contrast, he believed that a poem should be judged by its capacity to evoke the poetic sentiment of beauty, sublimity, and mysticism.

Unified Effect and Literary Composition

Poe's principle of a "unified effect" in literature was a cornerstone of his critical philosophy. He championed the idea that a literary work's merit lies in its ability to create a cohesive emotional and intellectual impact. In his review of Bulwer-Lytton's NIGHT AND MORNING, Poe praised the novel's plot for its interdependent incidents but criticized its complexity and length, arguing that they hindered a unified effect. This belief in brevity also informed his views on poetry, where he maintained that only a concise poem can sustain the reader's excitement and emotional engagement.

Didacticism and the Poetic Principle

Poe's later critical work focused on the dangers of didacticism in literature, as seen in his assessment of Longfellow’s BALLADS AND OTHER POEMS. He contended that poetry should not impose moral lessons but rather appeal to the reader's sense of beauty, creativity, and musicality. This perspective led to his enduring definition of poetry as "the rhythmical creation of beauty." His critiques elaborated on the principles he had established earlier, advocating for the power of a unified effect and the aesthetic experience.

"The Philosophy of Composition" and the Art of Writing

In his seminal essay "The Philosophy of Composition," Poe provided an in-depth look at his methodical approach to writing, using THE RAVEN as a case study. He claimed that the poem was crafted with a precise, logical process, designed to elicit a specific emotional response from the reader. Poe's method involved determining the poem's length, tone, and thematic elements in advance, ensuring that each component contributed to the desired effect. This analytical approach underscored his belief in the impersonal nature of poetry writing, where emotional engagement is achieved through calculated artistry rather than spontaneous inspiration.

The Legacy of Poe's Critical Thought

In "The Poetic Principle," published posthumously, Poe recapped his critical theories, emphasizing the poetic aspiration for transcendent beauty and the importance of an elevating emotional experience. Despite his sometimes rigid and controversial views, Poe's insights into literary composition and aesthetic principles established him as a pivotal figure in American literary criticism. His theories, rooted in a deep contemplation of his own creative practices, continue to influence the discourse on literary art and its critique.