The Life and Writings of Edgar Allen Poe

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"After reading all that has been written, and after thinking all that can be thought, on the topics of God and the soul, the man who has a right to say that he thinks at all, will find himself face to face with the conclusion that, on these topics, the most profound thought is that which can be the least easily distinguished from the most superficial sentiment" (Poe). This quote shows how Edgar Allan Poe’s perspective was very different compared to other writers during that time. Poe was an American short story writer, poet, critic, and editor who was famous for his cultivation in mystery and macabre. His success in his works may or may not have been because of his emotional and mental problems. Edgar Allan Poe was a writer whose works represent his own unique style, how his emotional instability affected him, and what happened in his life.

Poe has seen tragedy from the start of his life. Poe was born in January 19, 1809 in Boston Massachusetts. His mother, Elizabeth Arnold Poe, was a well known American actress. When Poe was 2 years old his mother died (Edgar Allan Poe). So Poe witnessed death at a very young age. After his mother died Poe was taken in by his godfather, John Allan, with his childless wife. Soon after he was taken to Scotland and England (1815-1820) where he learned classical education, this was continued in Richmond Virginia. For 11 months Poe attended the University of Virginia in 1826 but his gambling losses were so big that John Allan refused to let him stay. After Poe returned to Richmond he had found out that his old sweetheart Emily Royster engaged. He got into West Point Academy but he was later expelled because of him not attending drill and classes for a week (Edgar Allan Poe). As you see he had to endu...

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...was only two, and throughout his life he struggled with school, work, and himself. Poe found inspiration from anything even tragic events; for example, the inspiration for The Raven is because of his wife’s death. No matter how flawed Poe was he was still a very memorable man who was an excellent writer and poet.

Works Cited

Canada, Mark, ed. "Edgar Allan Poe." Canada's America. 1997. . 24 Apr. 2011

"Edgar Allan Poe Biography." Biography.com. A&E Television Networks. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. .

Poe, Edgar Allan. "Quote by Poe, Edgar Allan on Meaning of Life." Quotations Book 19 Aug. 2010. General Reference Center Gold. Web. 12 Apr. 2011.

Wetli, Patty. "The Raven's Bride." Booklist 1 Feb. 2011: 40+. General Reference Center Gold. Web. 12 Apr. 2011.

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