Life Of A Legend: Edgar Allan Poe

The 19th century American poet, Edgar Allan Poe, had been plagued by grief from an early age. He was an amazing poet and author who just happened to have a darker story. Many who have studied this prestigious man feel that his works, though magnificent, were extremely dark. Some believe it was nothing more then a fancy for him to spin such gruesome tales. Others feel his work was manipulated by the misfortune of his past. These people have actually found evidence that agrees with this statement. The works of Edgar Allan Poe were inspired by the history and life style of the author. The evidence is evident, when people look back and examine the author, his life, and his writings closely.

A famous writer, a renowned poet, and a American hero, Edgar Allan Poe has helped shaped modern day literature. Taught in schools as being a tortured soul, Poe’s dark writing has shaped American English for the better. Edgar Allen Poe’s early demise came as a shock to many during the time. Poe left this world in a mystery, much like some of his most famous works. The way in which Poe died, is never as simple as it seems. The limited details of his demise has left a hole in American literature and history. Modern day textbooks such as Great American Stories detail his death in zero to none detail, “A week later, he was found near Baltimore tavern-delirious, his clothing torn and wet from a raging storm. He died four days later” (95). This

John Allan did not send Poe enough money so he decided to be dismissed from West Point and was on March 6, 1831. Poe then moved to Baltimore to live with his widowed Aunt Maria Clemm and her daughter, Virginia (Poe Chronology). John Allan died in 1834 and moreover Poe received no inheritance. Poe then turned to journalism and began to write for the Richmond based Southern Literary Messenger. By the end of the year, Poe, who had moved to Richmond with Virginia and Mrs. Clemm, was named editor in chief.

Edgar Allan Poe, the remarkable, 19th century writer, who had an appalling life. Poe became extremely famous for his terrifying works of literature after he passed away, but it was Poe’s tragic life that influenced his writing(Edgar Allan Poe). From childhood all the way to adulthood, Poe experienced terrible things in his life that would mentally scar any person. This is shown in three of his most famous writings by having those experiences that he encountered from childhood to adulthood reflect on the different qualities that are shown in works of literature.

     Poe was born in January 19th of 1809 in Boston. Poe was the son of

After Poe promised sobriety White hired Edgar as the Editor of The Literary Messenger (Padgett 52).

Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, on January 19,1809. When Poe was just two years old his mother died. Soon after that his father also died, leaving him orphaned, but luckily a wealthy merchant, John Allan, and his wife adopted him. Poe started going to school, but dropped out when he did not have enough money to continue. According to Robert Giordano, “Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe is the most morbid of all American authors. Poe made his impact in Gothic fiction, especially for the tales of the macabre of which he is so renowned for. “How can so strange & so fine a genius & so sad a life, be exprest [sic] & comprest in on line — would it not be best to say of Poe in a reverential spirit simply Requiescat in Pace [?]” — (Alfred Lord Tennyson’s reply to the Poe Memorial committee, February 18, 1876). Poe’s own life story sheds light on the darkness of his writings.

In conclusion, Poe had a hectic life and had many hardships that he had to overcome. I think that Poe was a pretty good poet considering all that he went through. I've learned some pretty cool stuff about him and I hope you did

Edgar Allan Poe was born at 33 Hollis Street, Boston, Mass., on January 19, 1809, the son of poverty stricken actors, David, and Elizabeth (born Arnold) Poe. His parents were then filling an engagement in a Boston theatre, and the appearances of both, together with their sojourns in various places during their wandering careers, are to be plainly traced in the play bills of the time.

While Poe was believed to be mentally deranged he still is one of the greatest authors to date. He had no parents, and lived with a foster family. He never finished college and fell into great debt. As he became a rising author the fame was short lived as he was criticized by many. With some of the scariest stories to date and one of the best authors throughout history Poe is a very noteworthy author. As Poe had really began his career in debt he also ended his life in debt. For many years to come Poes various spine tingling stories shall live

Years later, after Poe had moved back to Baltimore after Allen had died, reconnected with his family members and soon met Virginia, the daughter of his new “mother”, and soon became the “object of his desire”. She had not even been 14 at this point. Within another year, Poe had helped make the Messenger magazine the most popular magazine in the entire south. Soon he created a reputation as a risky critic who not only attacked an author’s work but also insulted the author. One of his victims was the anthologist and editor Rufus Griswold.

Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most influential writers of the horror genre in American history. His horror stories have impacted numerous authors and their stories over the years. Various people have tried to copy his way of writing style, but they have failed to achieve the success he did. Even though Poe is no longer living, his impact on American literature can still be felt today.

The enigma of Poe's survival clearly is explained by his universality … I published a review ¬essay that emphasized both Poe's hysterical badness and his inescapability… Letters poured in, many questioning my motives, and at least two radio programs accommodated outraged lovers of Poe, some of them quite passionate at denouncing me. Poe can write as badly as anyone in the language, but it makes little difference. Legions of many regions (not just the South) charge fiercely in his favor, with quasi-religious zeal. The cultural effect and influence of Poe transcend his aesthetic inadequacies. (Bloom 9-10).

Poe married his cousin Virginia Clemm in 1836,she was only 13, then in 1837 they went to New York there he published the narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym his only novel. In the summer of 1846 he moved with his wife to a cottage in what was a rural area in Bronx N.Y; she died there of tuberculosis in January of 1947.On October 3, 1949, in Baltimore a stranger found him delirious and in need of medical attention, a few days later he died at the age of 40 from unknown causes.