The Tomb of Edgar Poe

Literary Analysis

This poem holds reference to how bad Edgar Allan Poe was criticized during his lifetime. There were accusations of him being drunk whenever he wrote. Mallermè called all the critics together as a hydra (many headed serpent) tearing at Poe. In Poe's death was he finally triumphant over his critics as described by Mallarmè.

Edgar Allan Poe became Mallarmè's primary influence over Charles Baudelaire which would explain his writing of this poem. Mallarmè appeared to be defending Poe from his critic's slander.