As a literary critic, who did Edgar Allan Poe attack? Why was this new?

I understand he attacked the Americans for copying the British (proof here- http://www.poemuseum.org/teachers-poes-literary.php), but WHY WAS THIS NEW?

I don't understand the question... help!

Question

As a literary critic, who did Edgar Allan Poe attack? Why was this new?

I understand he attacked the Americans for copying the British (proof here- http://www.poemuseum.org/teachers-poes-literary.php), but WHY WAS THIS NEW?

I don't understand the question... help!

anonymous · Answer

Hm, this confuses me quite a bit as well.
Would you happen to have any ideas?

anonymous · Answer

Not at all, sorry. I gave as much info as I could.

anonymous · Answer

Had Edgar Allen Poe attack anyone before? If so that could possibly be a way that it would be new.

anonymous · Answer

It says "as a literary critic". He "attacked" the Americans because they imitated British lit.

anonymous · Answer

Right. So we have two things that could be new here. The fact that Allen Poe attacked anyone as a literary critic which I don't recall that happening at any other time. Or it could be new that the Americans imitated British Literature.

anonymous · Answer

I'm guessing the first choice?