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Abstract

During the 19th century, a phenomenon known as “Holy Land mania” was sweeping the United States. Americans were intrigued by the state of the Holy Land and whether or not this state matched the images described in biblical prophecy (Robey 62). Interest in Israel’s condition invaded many aspects of American life, including literature. Looking through the lens of historical criticism, it is easy to see how authors of this time period fed on the “Holy Land mania” to include references to prophecy and the Middle East in their writings. In particular, critic Molly K. Robey accurately points out in her article “Poe and Prophecy” that Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” alludes to biblical prophecy and represents the perceived degeneration of the Promised Land.

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