Edgar Allan Poe

Biography

Place of birth

Date of birth

• Boston, MA

• January 19, 1809

Date of death

• Baltimore, MD

Place of death

• October 7, 1849

Burial location • Westminster Presbyterian churchyard in

Baltimore

Interesting facts about childhood

• Orphaned at age 2• Taken in by John and Frances (Fanny) Allan of

Richmond, VA• Attended University of VA at age 17• Lost all his money gambling and drank too

much• Got excellent grades anyway

Marriage and Family

• Married 13 y.o. cousin (when he was 26) – Virginia Clemm

• She was daughter of Maria Clemm, Poe’s aunt• Virginia died of tuberculosis at age 24

Place(s) where this author lived. Include dates and explain how each

place influenced them. • Boston, MA; West Point, NY; New York City;

Baltimore, MD; Richmond, VA; Philadelphia, PA

• Too many moves to count; experienced much instability due to many moves, job changes

• Probably contributed to emotional instability and to dark atmosphere in his work

How did this author become inspired to write?

• Poe’s Philosophy of Composition:– Select one effect to achieve– Length – should be read in one sitting– Impression – contemplating beauty– Tone – sadness/melancholy– Subject – death of a beautiful woman

• Also – “ratiocination” – detective stories based on logical solution of crime

Where applicable, explain any obstacles this writer faced

• Being orphaned • Rejection by John Allan • Drinking• Poverty• Gambling

How successful was this author during his/her lifetime?

• Poe was a well known, if controversial, critic• “The Raven” made him a famous poet• He was always poor

If the author wasn’t successful or popular at the time of their death,

explain how and why they are still well known today

• N/A (he was popular when he died, even though he wasn’t financially successful.)

Why is this author considered influential?

• His literary criticism shaped literature.• His poetry is memorable.• He created the modern short story (unity of

character, detail, mood).• He created the detective story (inspired

Sherlock Holmes character).• Influenced Dreiser, Faulkner, Doyle, Shaw and

King

Identify five (5) characteristics of this author and give specific examples

• Melancholy – as shown in work• Unstable – difficult relationships with employers• Alcoholic (?) – seemed to have a drinking problem,

exact nature of which is unclear• Ambitious – always wanted to start own magazine• Loving – to Maria Clemm and Virginia, his wife