Edgar Allen Poe

1809-1849

Upbringing

• Mother died at age 2

• Taken in by John Allan’s family

• Attended University of Virginia

• Disowned by Allan family

• Began writing poetry

Young Adult Years

• Enlisted in Army

• Moved in with Aunt

• Transferred to West Pointe (attended briefly)

• Began writing prose and short stories

Poe’s Love Life

• Married cousin Virginia in 1836

• Wife died in 1847

• Poe went on to “date” many women

The Tragedy Begins

• Wife’s death saddened him deeply

• His journal failed

• Alcoholism developed

• Alcohol led to many emotional and physical extremes

Poe’s Death

• Circumstances a mystery

• Found unconscious in home

• Taken to hospital and died

• Alcohol overdose? Disease? Murder? Suicide?

Poe’s Famous Works

• “The Raven”• “The Fall of the House of Usher”• “The Tell Tale Heart”• “Annabel Lee”• “The Black Cat”• “Alone”