Perverse Feelings: Poe and American Masculinity

Perverse Feelings examines white masculinity in Poe’s fiction and the culture it represents. Poe’s men are tormented by ugly emotions. As it analyzes these afflictions, the book illuminates the pathologies of a past American masculinity. Just as importantly, it reminds us that ＂toxic masculinity＂ has a history.

Suzanne Ashworth is professor in the Department of English and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Otterbein University.