Poe

When I think of Edgar Allan Poe, I think of mystery.  Most of his writings, including the ones we have read in class, always seem to have a eerie and mysterious vibe to them.  Such as in The Raven, where the questioning of whom the Raven represents leaves readers with more questions than answers.
         This idea of being mysterious followed him to his grave, literally.  There are many theories as to what caused Poe to died, but no one knows for sure.  It is said that he was found on the street, delirious,  not able to tell what had happened to him.  It was also mentioned how he wasn't even wearing clothing that was his! I find it interesting how Poe, in both his writing and his life, leaves everyone with questions.  I mean, whose clothes was he wearing!?!
          And the mystery involving Poe's death doesn't even stop when HE dies! Every year on Poe's birthday starting in 1949, a person referred to as only "Poe Toaster" visits his grave.  When there, he or she makes a toast to Poe and leaves three red roses.  It just goes to show you that not only was Edgar Allan Poe a mysterious man when he was alive, but his legend continues on.
          The mysteriousness behind Poe and his writings is what makes his stories so unique and different.  It is what set him apart from other writers in his day, and it is why we still study him in schools to this day.

What is an American?

     To be honest, I didn't really know where to start with this question, so I decided to looked up the definition of an American.  Most of the answers were simply "a citizen of the United States of America," or something of that nature. With some time to think, I decided that this definition was only half right.

I had first thought about how I identify myself as an American.  I realized that not only do I identify myself as an American because I am a citizen, but also because I embody the things that I believe most Americans embody.   For example, most Americans are not only 'American,' but instead they have a very reach cultural background and their families often come from all over the world. Along with being an American, I also consider myself German because thats where my ancestors came from.   You are still able to identify yourself as an American even if your Family hasn't lived here for generations.       

I also believe that 'American' can't be put into one set definition.  Whom I may think qualifies as an American may differ from your idea of an American.  So, I think that the questions 'What is an American?' is really an opinion-based question.  So my Opinion is that to be considered an American, you simply have to identify as an one.