Question

The following question refers to “The Philosophy of Composition” by Edgar Allan Poe and On Writing by Stephen King. What is a key difference in the use of details in the texts? Poe’s essay is dominated by facts, while King’s memoir is dominated by images and examples. Poe references numerous authors and literary works, while King does not reference any other authors or literary works. Poe includes a list of all the poems he has written, while King includes a list of all the books he has written. Poe’s essay is full of personal details about his wife and children, while King’s memoir is filled with details about his pets.

Answer 1

Poe wants to explain the writer's process to an outside observer. Selecting nonfiction, specifically the expository essay, is appropriate because expository essays examine a topic in an organized way. The expository essay makes use of logical examples and explanations to support an idea, which is well suited to Poe's purpose. Whereas King wants to explain how he became a "good writer" (King's words) to a fellow writer. Selecting nonfiction, specifically the memoir, is appropriate because memoirs recount personal experiences and development, the exact ideas addressed by King. The memoir makes use of narrative techniques, which would allow an author who is explaining how he became a "good writer" to use evidence from his life easily.