Beyond the mountain of madness: a look at the shared themes
of Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft

Abstract: There are many great names in gothic literature and this essay will deal
with two of them: Edgar Allan Poe and the modern master of weird fiction
Howard Philips (H.P.) Lovecraft. Lovecraft has more in common with Edgar
Allan Poe in terms of themes than many critics have recognized and although
he is not a disciple of Poe’s treatment of psychological horror he has been
inspired by Poe. Their general fiction is seemingly not much alike when
first examined: with Edgar Allan Poe exploring dark minds and Lovecraft
creating an ancient alien threat but many of their themes are shockingly
alike.

This essay will be looking at some of those distinguished themes that both
Poe and Lovecraft include in their nightmarish stories. The themes of
insanity, death and the gothic setting are some of the most obvious and
strongest aspects the both authors share in their works and by analyzing
them it will be evident that Lovecraft is a true master of weird fiction
and not just a shadow of the praised and enlightened Poe.