Edgar Allen Poe

I read the poem Alone by Edgar Allen Poe. First off I'd just like to say I feel sorry for this poor guy. He seemed so unhappy with life and completely miserable. Which I guess goes along with the whole dark romanticism theme. This part of literature was pretty dark and seemed pretty depressing. But, Poe's poem was discussing how he feels different from everybody else he knew, From childhood's hour I have not been As others were; I have not seen As others saw; I could not bring My passions from a common spring." (Poe) Those are the first four lines of the poem. So right off the bat it starts off pretty sad just knowing he felt different from everyone. A characteristic of the dark romanticism period is pain and I definitley think Poe was feeling some sort of pain of confusion of why he was the why he was. "Recognizes the central significance of individual experience" (Imbarrato and Berkin) This is referring to characteristics of romanticism. Poe was definietly experiencing an unique individual experience. But, he did find interests in the world. He does say he loves but, what he loves he loves alone so that's the depressing side. But being in love with something or someone gives a purpose for living. Later on in the poem he goes on explains on the nature around him which is a big part of the romanticism period, "From the torrent, or the fountain, From the red cliff of the mountain, From the sun that round me rolled In its autumn tint of gold, From the lightning in the sky." (Poe) He went into much description of what was happening around him. I believe he was trying to infer that everything around him is beautiful but unfortunately he does not see it. Even though there is a lot of good in the world he blocks it out and only sees the bad side of things. "And the cloud that took the form (When the rest of Heaven was blue) Of a demon in my view." (Poe) I think those two lines mean that even though the nature is good he cannot see the good and can only see the pain and bad things in his life. He is missing all the good and can't seem to appreciate it like others. Poe was smart man he knew that there was beauty but his feelings kept him from experiencing it "centered on individual experience and emphasizing emotion over reason." ( Imbarrato and Berkin) Other characteristics of this dark and depressing romantcism writing is a troubled hero. In a way I see Poe as a hero. He is so miserable in the world and doesn't really feel that there is much going for him but, he keeps on living and writing beautiful poetry. If people felt the way Poe did I bet a lot would give up on life but it doesn't really seem like that's what he did. This poem is very serious with great detail and not really any humore involved. That is also another characteristic for this period. I really enjoyed this poem because I think they are so different than everything else that we have read. Everyone has times when they feel depressed and don't feel like they belong or fit in so I think people could really relate to this poem.

Poe, Edgar Allen. “Alone.” Poetry X. Ed. Jough Dempsey. 29 Nov 2004. 19 Jan. 2012

Imbarrato, Susan Clair, and Carol Berkin. "Romanticism." Encyclopedia of American Literature, Revised Edition: Settlement to the New Republic, 1608–1815, vol. 1, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc