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The Life and Legacy of Edgar Allan Poe: A Journey Through Melancholy and Genius

Edgar Allan Poe, born on January 19, 1809, in Boston, MA, was a pivotal figure in American literature. Orphaned by age 2, he faced numerous adversities throughout his life, including poverty and alcoholism. After his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin Virginia, who died tragically young, Poe's work often reflected themes of loss and beauty. Living in various cities like Baltimore and Richmond, Poe became known for his poetry and short stories, particularly "The Raven." His innovations paved the way for modern detective fiction and influenced countless authors, leaving a lasting legacy in the literary world.

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The Life and Legacy of Edgar Allan Poe: A Journey Through Melancholy and Genius

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  1. Edgar Allan Poe Biography

  2. Place of birth • Boston, MA Date of birth • January 19, 1809

  3. Date of death • October 7, 1849 • Baltimore, MD Place of death Burial location • Westminster Presbyterian churchyard in Baltimore

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Where applicable, explain any obstacles this writer faced • Being orphaned • Rejection by John Allan • Drinking • Poverty • Gambling

  9. 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

  10. 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.)

  11. 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

  12. 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

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