Literature
The Truth Behind The Raven: Unveiling Edgar Allan Poe’s Authorship
The Truth Behind 'The Raven': Unveiling Edgar Allan Poe’s Authorship
The Raven, one of the most famous poems in American literature, is often credited to Edgar Allan Poe. However, a closer look at the history and background of the poem reveals a more complex story. This piece of writing will delve into the controversy surrounding the poem's authorship, explore different perspectives, and clarify the true story behind the mysterious author.
The Real Author: Matthew Francis Whittier
"The Raven." This iconic poem was not actually written by Edgar Allan Poe. The real author of the poem was Matthew Francis Whittier, the younger brother of poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Whittier wrote the poem in December 1841 and shared a draft with Poe in early 1842, following the death of his wife in March of that year.
Whittier submitted the poem anonymously under the pseudonym "—— Quarles" to the American Review. Poe, who was a reviewer for the NY Evening Mirror at the time, obtained an advance copy of the American Review. Recognizing the quality of the poem, Poe convinced his editor at the Mirror to publish it and claimed it as his own.
Poe made minor revisions, signed it with his name, and published it in the NY Evening Mirror. The original author, Matthew Whittier, was involved in the abolitionist movement and had extensive ties to the Underground Railroad, making a public challenge to Poe’s authorship unlikely.
Alternative Theories and Controversy
Edward Allan Poe's Involvement
One theory suggests that "The Raven" was inspired by Poe's observations of a raven while on laudanum, a tincture of opium. This theory adds a layer of mystery to the poem's origins, but it remains highly speculative and lacks concrete evidence.
Thomas Holley Chivers and Poe’s Plagiarism Claims
Another theory involves Thomas Holley Chivers, a poet and critic. In his biography of Poe, Chivers claimed that Poe stole "The Raven" from him. However, this claim is not strongly supported by historical evidence and has largely been dismissed as unfounded.
A Trick Question?
The story of "The Raven" has led some to ask if this is a trick question. Given the conflicting claims and the lack of definitive evidence, the true authorship remains a matter of debate among literary scholars. Therefore, it's more appropriate to consider the most supported narrative rather than dismiss possibilities outright.
Conclusion
The true authorship of "The Raven" involves a complex mix of real events and literary intrigue. Matthew Francis Whittier, driven by personal sorrow, wrote the poem that eventually became a masterpiece in literature. Poe’s involvement, while less the result of a direct collaboration, still shrouded the poem in mystery and continued to elevate its importance in the literary world. Understanding this sordid tale of authorship opens up a richer appreciation of the poem and the historical context in which it was created.