WHY NINETEENTH CENTURY FICTION MATTERS TODAY: EDGAR ALLAN POE AND NETFLIX

Edgar Allan Poe’s enduring influence on literature and popular culture is undeniable, resonating deeply with audiences across generations. This article explores Poe’s relevance in modern education, particularly in the context of shifting educational trends in the United Kingdom. Through an examination of popular Netflix series such as The Pale Blue Eye (2022), Wednesday (2022), The Fall of the House of Usher (2023) and Altered Carbon (2018), as well as an analysis of educational curricula, this article highlights Poe’s timeless themes and narrative techniques. Despite a trend away from nineteenth-century literature in the United Kingdom’s educational scenario, Poe’s works offer valuable insights into human psychology, existential themes and literary craftsmanship. Integrating Poe’s works into modern education not only enriches students’ literary knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking skills and reveals the enduring relevance of literature. Thus, this article explores the reasons behind this shift in the educational scenario in the United Kingdom and subsequently advocates for the continued integration of nineteenth-century literature and Poe’s works into educational curricula to ensure that his legacy endures for generations to come.