Edgar Allen Poe

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Edgar Allen Poe

Edgar Allen Poe's life was bombarded with misery, financial problems,

and death but he still managed to become a world-renowned writer.

Although he attended the most prestigious of schools he was often

looked over as a writer and poet during his career. His stories were

odd and misunderstood during their time. However, now they are loved a

read by millions.

On January 19, 1809 Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts

at a lodging house. His parents David and Elizabeth Poe were

professional actors who toured with a theatrical company. On December

8, 1811 his mother died of tuberculosis in Richmond, Virginia

(Introduction). In July of 1810 Edgar's father vanished and it is

speculated that he may have died December 11, 1811 in Norfolk,

Virginia, just three days after his mother's death, but there is no

record of this. In Richmond, Edgar was now taken into the home of the

successful tobacco merchant, John Allan (Introduction). Edgar was

never officially adopted but his foster parents acquired "Allan" into

his name. In 1815 the Allans moved to Liverpool, England aboard the

Lothair. While there, Edgar was sent to the finest schools, taught

every proper accomplishment and brought up with the habits of elegant

society (Introduction).

In February of 1826 Poe entered the prestigious University of

Virginia. While there, Edgar studied ancient and modern languages and

received honors in both subjects. Poe soon became corrupted by his

peers and learned to drink and gamble. He acquired enormous gambling

debts that he could not pay and was forced to leave the University of

Virginia since John Allan refused to pay his tuition over the gambling

debts. In May of 1927 Poe enlisted in the army ...

... middle of paper ...

...or

inflicted on his characters, and his characters mental illnesses are

all ways he connects with his readers. Poe's haunting descriptions and

similarities between his life and his works draws the reader into a

state of pity and sorrow while at the same times leaving them with a

feeling of satisfaction.

Works Cited

"Edgar Allan Poe." Introduction to poetry Online Chapter 14-

Biography. 9 April 2003.

"Poe Chronology." Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore. 9 April 2003.

Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 3: Early Nineteenth Century - Edgar Allan

Poe." PAL: Perspectives in American Literature- A Research and

Reference Guide. 12 April 2003

Walsh, John Evangelist. Midnight Dreary: The Mysterious Death of Edgar

Allan Poe. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1998

Pattee, Fred Lewis, A.M., Litt.D. "VI. The Short Story." Bartleby.com.

15 April 2003.

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