Poster Sessions - 2018 Research Day

The Influence of Edgar Allan Poe on Contemporary Gothic

Author/ Authors/ Presenter/ Presenters/ Panelists:

Alexandrea L. Horton, Governors State UniversityFollow

Type of Presentation

Poster Session

Location

Hall of Governors

Start Date

4-6-2018 12:30 PM

End Date

4-6-2018 2:00 PM

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine specific works by Edgar Allan Poe that best emulate his literary obsession with insanity and the grotesque, arguing that these elements of his literature serve as the source of inspiration for many contemporary gothic artists. When analyzing 20th and 21st century gothic artists such as authors Mary Wilkins Freeman, H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, singer Rob Zombie, and filmmaker Kevin Williamson, striking similarities to Poe’s work are discovered. Although most research focuses primarily on Poe’s inspiration over other writers, this study researches his literary influence in a variety of artistic outlets; implying that Poe has been an inspiration to many styles of contemporary gothic and horror artists in the later centuries. Understanding the significant inspiration that Poe’s work has on how other artists present their gothic pieces suggests just how big of an impact he is within American art history and how we can predict that he will continue to have significant influence in the centuries to come.

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Apr 6th, 12:30 PM Apr 6th, 2:00 PM

The Influence of Edgar Allan Poe on Contemporary Gothic

Hall of Governors

The purpose of this research is to examine specific works by Edgar Allan Poe that best emulate his literary obsession with insanity and the grotesque, arguing that these elements of his literature serve as the source of inspiration for many contemporary gothic artists. When analyzing 20th and 21st century gothic artists such as authors Mary Wilkins Freeman, H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, singer Rob Zombie, and filmmaker Kevin Williamson, striking similarities to Poe’s work are discovered. Although most research focuses primarily on Poe’s inspiration over other writers, this study researches his literary influence in a variety of artistic outlets; implying that Poe has been an inspiration to many styles of contemporary gothic and horror artists in the later centuries. Understanding the significant inspiration that Poe’s work has on how other artists present their gothic pieces suggests just how big of an impact he is within American art history and how we can predict that he will continue to have significant influence in the centuries to come.