Option 1: Write a sequel to or an updated version of one of Poe's short stories. Imagine what happens to Montresor's son when he discovers the sealed wall. What happens to the narrator as he flees Usher's collapsing home? What sensitivity might a modern psycopath have that would lead him or her to murder (as the eye drove the narrator of "The Tell-Tale Heart" mad)? Imagine another case for Dupin involving some mystery that he solves with flair and ingenuity. When you write, try to mimic Poe's style. To practice Poe's style, try copying the forms of his sentences from a random paragraph. Write new sentences but follow his forms to accustom yourself to the rhythms of his prose.
Option 2: Write a poem in the style of Poe. Consider a sequel or an updated version of "The Raven" or your own "Annabel Lee" or "The Bells." If you wish, you may try your hand at the anagram-like "A Valentine," and using your sweetie's name (or your mother's or father's). As with all poetry, avoid writing a Hallmark card; instead, use fresh images (not clichés) that hint at emotions rather than directly stating them.
Option 3: Write a critical essay comparing or contrasting two or more of Poe's short stories. If you wish, you may attempt to show that Poe not only repeats a great deal of symbols, character traits and themes, but also that in doing so he weaves a tapestry made up of these various threads that form something greater, something unique, something more than the sum of its parts.
Option 4: Write an expository essay dealing with the subject of evil. Use news accounts, anecdotes, historical information or whatever real even on which you will base your analysis and conclusions. Keep in mind Poe's objective in writing is to communicate the experience of evil; your objective is to analyze the motivations and causes of evil, the evil actions themselves, and the effects of evil. Your first job in this expository essay, after you scan your newspaper or weekly news magazine for ideas, will be to narrow this topic somehow. As such, it is far too broad.