1. Edgar Allen Poe 1809-1849

2. Upbringing Mother died at age 2 Taken in by John Allan’s family Attended University of Virginia Disowned by Allan family Began writing poetry

3. Young Adult Years Enlisted in Army Moved in with Aunt Transferred to West Pointe (attended briefly) Began writing prose and short stories

4. Poe’s Love Life Married cousin Virginia in 1836 Wife died in 1847 Poe went on to “date” many women

5. The Tragedy Begins Wife’s death saddened him deeply His journal failed Alcoholism developed Alcohol led to many emotional and physical extremes

6. Poe’s Death Circumstances a mystery Found unconscious in home Taken to hospital and died Alcohol overdose? Disease? Murder? Suicide?

7. Poe’s Famous Works “The Raven” “The Fall of the House of Usher” “The Tell Tale Heart” “Annabel Lee” “The Black Cat” “Alone”