: Poe uses this character to mock the "highbrow" literature of his time, which often used overly complex vocabulary, obscure foreign quotes, and dramatic, near-death narratives to intrigue readers. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
The magazine Poe satirized was a real and highly influential publication. BlackWood
: It became famous (and sometimes notorious) for its "lurid" stories and sharp literary criticism. It remained in circulation for over 160 years, finally closing in 1980. Natural and Cultural Meanings Dear Edgar #18 Blackwood | The Passing Place : Poe uses this character to mock the
: The editor tells her that "genuine" articles require intense, exaggerated sensations. He suggests she put herself in a life-threatening situation—like drowning, hanging, or being bitten by a mad dog—and record every excruciating feeling until the very end. which often used overly complex vocabulary