illustrated portrait of American author of gothic fiction Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe

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What type of music did Edgar Allan Poe enjoy?

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Edgar Allan Poe likely enjoyed music that matched the themes of his literature, which included horror, suspense, and the macabre. Living in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic U.S. during the early 19th century, Poe might have been drawn to classical music with gothic themes and dark, eerie sounds, as well as old-time folk songs like murder ballads. Additionally, Eastern European carnival music with haunting violin and accordion sounds could have appealed to him.

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One could form a notion of what type of music Edgar Allen Poe listened to through analyzing the era and places in which he lived and the style of writing to which he gravitated. Edgar Allen Poe lived in the northeast and mid-atlantic regions of the U.S. in the first half of the 19th century. Poe was a master of horror, suspense, mystery, macabre, the supernatural, and tales of gothic style writing that centered on a character's personal torment. One could surmise that Poe also enjoyed these elements in the music that he listened to. Sub genres of classical music of the early 19th century contained elements of gothic themes and dark and eerie sounds. Old-time folk songs of the time, such as murder ballads, were full of creepy and tormented themes. Additionally, 19th century carnivals often played Eastern European tunes, due to the rise of Eastern European immigrants who...

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worked and traveled in the circuses, that featured beautifully haunting (and sometimes creepy and chaotic) sounds produced from violins and accordions.

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First, it would be helpful if you clarified this. Are you looking for a factual response or an interprative response. I presume that you are looking for what kind of music Poe listened based on the type of literature he wrote. If the latter is the case, than continue reading.

Music interests can often give us insight into others' personalities. That said, it is logical to believe that Poe listened to music that reflected the themes in his literature. According to enotes, "After Poe’s death in 1849, some critics faulted [Poe's] obsession with dark and depraved themes...and is [currently] regarded [by many] as an important writer of psychological thrillers and horror." Accordingly, he likely listened to music that conveyed, either directly or indirectly, similar themes. To brainstorm, try thinking of people whose personlatiy reflects their music interests.

From a general standpoint, classical music has been shown to support higher-functioning brain activity. Thus any writer who shows those signs may enjoy listening to classic music while writing.

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