Edgar Allen Poe and Audre Lorde were two very famous authors who is known for their works that challenged the norms at their times. They both explored themes of death, emotional landscapes, power and the “demon” of inner torment. Making both authors a fan of dark psychology.
Edgar Allen Poe was a iconic and memorable figure when it came down to literature. He was not only skilled in story writing, but he his career also took place in poetry writing, editing, and being a literary critic. His purpose in writing rather than teaching moral lessons is to evoke specific emotions, particularly dread beauty and horror. What made Edgars stories so “challenging” is his deep complex themes of dark psychology in his stories, telling it in a perspective of one whos mentally declining and other depictions of dread and guilt. His work may also contains shockinh subject matters which often led people to believe his work was morbid and “self indulgent”. Otherwise, for the most, people enjoyed his gothic emotional horror works, his best selling being “The Tall Tale Heart”.
Despite his exploration in dark themes, Edgar has made a huge impact on literature. He was the architect of short story writing, the inventor of detective fiction, and the pioneer of psychological horror. Hes deeply influenced alot of authors and has inspired many pop culture films and television shows.
Audre Lorde on the other hand, has an alternate way of story telling. While Edgars work was mostly fictional, Audres work mainlg touches on real world problems. Such as discrimination towards women, race, and the LGBTQ. She is an activist that advocates on marginalized voices as a black lesbian feminist.
The purpose in her writing is to bring awareness to the social injustices in society, criticizing sexism, racism, and homphobia. Her poet work and stories is to spread awareness and to place her stance as an activist. She argues “There is no hiearchy of oppressions” and challenged feminist movements to be more inclusive regardless of race and sexuality.
Like Edgar, she made a great impact on literature by challenging the norms of her time, challenging the white, patriarchal and heterosexual norms of society. She was a warrior poet as she spoke out about the societal injustices and her refusal to “stay silent”and encourging others to speak up as well, despite her fight against cancer. Her book “The Black Unicorn”, influenced feminist theory by insisting more inclusivity in the movement.
Overall, these authors have made a big influence in literary history. Both exploring dark themes and challenging the norms of society and inspiring others with their work. They are poetic geniuses who should be honored for their work and contribution to society for their talents and messages.
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