Criticism of Annabel Lee

Annabel Lee is in fact a love story, but many make the argument that, to Edgar Allan Poe it was more than just your typical love story. Many of Poe's writings were dark and dreary. Annabel Lee opens Poe's form of writing. Edgar Allan Poe defines beauty and nature in the writing. He shows the beauty of the sea and also the beauty of Annabel. This source states, "This poem is one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most popular writing on the basis that Annabel is pure love and beauty." Annabel is also the main factor of the story. She ties the story together. As in the story you can see. ""That a maiden there lived whom you may know by the name of Annabel Lee; and this maiden she lived with no other thought than to love and be loved by me" (line 5) This line not only shows the importance of Annabel but also the symbol of love that is the main component  in this story.

 

 

Another critic argues that all of Poe's stories are the same and this one is no different. Although Poe does write some dark and dreary stories this one could be seen a little different, but this critic believes this story fits right into his profile. He argues,

“The recurring theme in most of his work is the tragic separation of lovers through death. His plots, though short, usually give insight into the deteriorating psyche of the lover left behind to suffer alone. Annabel Lee is one such poem that describes the passion and devotion of one man for his dead wife."

The first critic said this story was different from Poe's normal writings and was a change from his dark ways of literature. But this critic discusses why this poem is no different from any other stories that Poe wrote in the 19th Century. Both critics have good points on this story, but regardless this story has become famous for being a sad and heart wrenching love story.

"Annabel Lee Analysis". Anti Essays. 5 Dec. 2012
http://www.antiessays.com/free-essays/127015.html

. "Edgar Allan Poe's Annabel Lee (Narrative Criticism)." Pop Studies and Rhetoric . World Press , 3 2012 . Web. 5 Dec 2012. http://english104winter2012.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/edgar-allan-poes-annabel-lee-narrative-criticism/.