19c Prose: Edgar Alan Poe, Harriet Beecher Stowe, William Dean Howe lls

In the 19th century, prose flourished as a powerful medium for storytelling and social
commentary. This period witnessed the emergence of distinctive literary voices that captured
the essence of the era's social, cultural, and psychological complexities. The prose of the 19th
century reflects a range of styles and themes, from the dark and mysterious tales of Edgar
Allan Poe to the social realism of Harriet Beecher Stowe and the literary criticism of William
Dean Howells. In this lecture, we will explore the works of these three influential authors and
delve into their unique contributions to 19th-century prose.
Edgar Allan Poe(1809-1849) stands as a towering figure in American literature, renowned
for his dark and macabre tales and his innovative approach to storytelling. Poe's impact on
the genre of horror and detective fiction is unparalleled. His works, often exploring themes of
madness, death, and the supernatural, have had a lasting influence on subsequent generations
of writers. Poe's ability to delve into the depths of the human mind, often blurring the lines
between reality and the supernatural, created a sense of unease and fascination among
readers.
One of Poe's groundbreaking contributions to 19th-century prose is the invention of the
detective fiction genre. His detective character, C. Auguste Dupin, featured in stories such as
"The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter" laid the foundation for future
detective stories with his keen powers of observation and deductive reasoning.
Poe's works also showcased his craftsmanship in constructing intricate plots and employing
literary devices such as foreshadowing, unreliable narration, and dramatic irony. His precise
and evocative language added to the overall atmosphere of his stories, immersing readers in a
world of mystery and suspense.
Edgar Allan Poe's contributions to 19th-century prose extended beyond his imaginative tales
of the macabre. His critical essays on the theory of poetry, such as "The Poetic Principle" and
"The Philosophy of Composition," offered profound insights into the art of writing and the
creative process. These essays revealed Poe's meticulous approach to crafting literature and
his thoughts on the nature of beauty, unity, and effect in poetry and prose.
Notable Prose Works by Edgar Allan Poe:
● "The Fall of the House of Usher" (1839): A Gothic tale that delves into the
psychological disintegration of the characters and the decay of the House of Usher.
● "The Tell-Tale Heart" (1843): A chilling exploration of guilt and the human psyche,
narrated by an unreliable and disturbed protagonist.
● "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841): The first detective story in literature,
featuring C. Auguste Dupin as he solves a seemingly inexplicable crime.
Edgar Allan Poe's prose works continue to captivate readers with their dark, mysterious, and
psychologically intense narratives. Through his mastery of suspense, exploration of the
human condition, and inventive storytelling techniques, Poe has left an indelible mark on
19th-century prose.

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) was an influential American author and abolitionist
whose novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," had a profound impact on public opinion and the
abolitionist movement in the United States. Stowe's writing exposed the harsh realities of
slavery and humanized enslaved individuals, challenging the prevalent stereotypes of the
time.
● "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1852) tells the powerful story of enslaved individuals and
their struggle for freedom. The novel, which became a bestseller, was instrumental in
shaping public sentiment against slavery, and its impact on the abolitionist movement
cannot be overstated. Stowe's work contributed to a broader cultural conversation
about the moral and ethical implications of slavery, paving the way for social change.

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was a prominent American realist writer and literary
critic. As an advocate of realism, Howells sought to depict everyday life and capture the
complexities of human relationships through his works. His novels and short stories often
portrayed middle-class characters and explored themes of social class, morality, and the
changing landscape of American society during the late 19th century.
Howells' writing style was marked by its attention to detail, psychological realism, and social
commentary. He believed in presenting life as it truly was, devoid of romanticized or
idealized elements. His works often tackled social issues, including the impact of
industrialization, the struggles of the working class, and the challenges faced by immigrants
in America. Howells' nuanced and empathetic portrayals of characters allowed readers to
connect with the complexities and dilemmas of ordinary people.
Notable Works by William Dean Howells:
● "The Rise of Silas Lapham" (1885): This novel explores the rise and fall of Silas
Lapham, a self-made man who becomes entangled in social and ethical dilemmas as
he tries to climb the ladder of success in the business world.
● "A Hazard of New Fortunes" (1890): Set in New York City, this novel delves into
the lives of a diverse group of characters and examines the clash between old
traditions and modernity.
● "The Lady of the Aroostook" (1879): This novel tells the story of a young woman's
journey through Maine and her encounters with various characters, exploring themes
of love, identity, and social expectations.
William Dean Howells' works reflect his belief in the power of literature to illuminate social
issues and prompt introspection. As a literary critic, he also played a significant role in
shaping the literary landscape of his time, advocating for realism and supporting emerging
writers through his influential reviews.