Genius or Madman?

Genius or Madman?

His LifeEdgar was born in Boston on January 19, 1809.

Poes parents died when he was 3 years old.

Young Edgar was raised in Virginia by Mr. and Mrs. John Allan.

More FactsEdgar traveled and was educated in England.

He returned to Virginia and continued with his education. Where he was a good student.

West Point drop out at 22

His Love

Edgar Allan Poe married his cousin, Virginia Clemm when she was only 13-years-old on May 16, 1836. Poe's aunt, Maria Clemm, the mother of Virginia was always looking after Poe and Virginia.In January 1842, while singing at the piano, in the house at Fairmount, she broke a blood vessel. Virginia died of tuberculosis on January 30, 1847. Virginia Clem

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His Works

The Black CatThe Tell Tale HeartThe Pit and the PendulumThe Cask of the AmontilladoThe Mask Of Red DeathThe Black CatCHARACTERSNameless narrator DocileTender heartedHumaneAlcoholicSuperstitious

The SettingDeath RowFlashback

ThemePsychological study of domestic violence and guilt and the supernatural.Guilt is a powerful thing and can reign over the perverseness one of the primitive impulses of the human heart.

The Tell Tale Heart CharactersNameless Narrator(protagonist)Constantly proclaims his sanityCaretaker for elderly victimOld manPolice officers

Setting

MidnightHome of an elderly man8 consecutive nights

ThemeHuman nature is a definite balance of light and dark or good and evil.Explores the criminal mind.Story of domestic violence as a result of irrational fear.

Pit and The Pendulum CharactersNarrator(protagonist)He entertains hope when his situation seemed hopeless

SettingSolitary prison cellSpanish Inquisition

Theme

Even in the grave all is not lost.Never give up hope.

Mask Of Red Death CharactersPrince ProsperoGuests

Setting7 Connected Rooms in a Medieval Abbey6 month periodReign of Red Death

Theme

No one escapes death.Human happinessseeks to wall out the threat of death.Death holds illimitable dominion over all.

Cask Of Amontillado CharactersMontressor (narrator)

Fortunato- innocent prey

Setting ThemeA powerful story of revengeNo one assails me with impunity.

The European palazzo of Montressor during Carnival.Reflection TimeWhat elements make his writings great short stories?How did his life influence his work?Why is he considered a great writer?