Edgar Allan Poe's Life and Work

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Edgar Allan Poe was an excellent horror, suspense, and mystery writer of the eighteenth century. His use of literary devices and different literary techniques makes this writer important to American literature. This paper will show how Edgar Allan Poe has made an impact on Society and American literature as well as how Edgar Allan Poe developed the short story. I will also discuss and analyze some of his works and techniques he uses in his short stories and poems.

Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19, 1809. His parents, who were actors, died when Poe was a small child. Poe was then adopted and raised by John Allan, a tobacco exporter, and Frances Allan in Richmond, Virginia (Magill, 1640). Poe was sent to the best schools because of Allan’s job. When Poe was six years old he was sent to private school. Poe kept studying and went to the University of Virginia for one year. After one year in the University Poe quit school because Allan refused to pay his debts, and he did not have money to pay for Poe’s education. Later, Poe left Boston in 1827 where he enlisted in the army. Poe served two years in the military after he quit school. After two years in the military Poe was dismissed for neglect of duty. His foster father then disowned him permanently. He stayed very little time there because Allan, once again, refused to send Poe any money. (Hoffman, Daniel)

Edgar Allan Poe went to New York City where he had some of his work published. He submitted his stories to a number of magazines and they were all rejected. Poe had no friends, no job and he was having financial trouble. He wrote a letter to John Allan but he did not help Poe with his financial problems. Four years later in 1835 Poe finally got ...

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...story writers all over the world. Although he had an unusual, unique, and peculiar way of writing he still had a great influence and impact on society during his time, up to the present day. Poe’s writing has changed the way present day writers write about love, pride, beauty and death.

Works Cited

Buranelli, Vincent. "Edgar Allan Poe". 28 October 2009 .

Carlsen, G. Robert. Insights Themes in Literature. New York: Webster Division, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1967.

Hoffman, Daniel. "Biography of Edgar Allan Poe". 26 October 2009 .

"Literary elements used by Poe." 123HelpMe.com. 07 Jan 2010

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Magill, Frank N. Volume 5. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 1991.

Walker, Tara. The Raven. Canada: Ryan price, 2006

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