Poe.

     Edgar Allan Poe is an American writer and poet who wrote during the Romantic Period. This period was a movement or revolt against the aristocratic social and political norms. Poe essentially had to earn a living from his writings and it resulted in a financially difficult life and career. Some might question what influenced Poe's unique, yet imaginative writing style but it seems his childhood and his not so great adulthood were factors that affected it.
     Edgar was born in Boston and he was orphaned at a young age as his mother died just shortly after his father abondoned him and his family. In 1831, Edgar had to deal with the death of his eldest brother who had died as a result of alcoholism and his wife died of tuberculosis just two years after the publication of his first poem. These are just a few things that probably affected him emotionally but also influenced his work as well. It is no surprise that he wrote about what he was dealing with or feeling at the time. Edgar was known for his gothic or mysterious style of writing as his poems and stories usually had a dark and gloomy setting. Themes throughout his writing were death and mourning. This worked for him as it appealed to the public. Ultimately, Edgar was able to express a deeper meaning in his writing using his life struggles as the background for his work.

What is an American?

     What is an American? One of the hardest questions to answer. But ultimately is their a right or wrong answer? Is there an answer at all? Some say you have to live in America to be American and they're usually referring to the United States. I hate saying American is an ethnicity, nationality, race, or anything else they call it. We're all people so does it really matter where you came from or where you live. Some might ask if you're African American, Mexican American, etc., but there is no need for labels when we come to a place for a common goal.
     Many immigrants came to America for one thing, freedom! With freedom comes better opportunities and equality. Something other countries and nations could not offer. People from all over that come to America bring along their cultures and we create this diverse "Melting Pot", and it's what makes America, America. Our cultures blend to make this new culture that is influenced by the various places we come from. I guess that answers my question. So if i had to, I would define an American as someone who is proud to say that they are from America, witholds the idea of equality, embraces a new culture, takes advantage of all the possible opportunites given, works toward personal success, and is engaged in making America a better place.