Edgar Allan Poe A Talented, Tormented Writer

“What a strange, though enormously talented writer, that Edgar Poe.” – Feodor Dostoyevsky

Edgar Allan Poe Wrote haunting tales which explained the dark side of the human mind. Made sadness and depression the basis of a distinctive body of literary work. Concerned with psychology and the dark complexity of the soul. Presented the fantastic and impossible clearly and vividly.

Literary Contributions Known as a literary critic during his lifetime; now renowned for poems and short stories in the Gothic tradition.

Poetic Pioneer Regarded poems as his greatest works. Though poetry should have a musical effect, be expressive of beauty, and composed logically. – “The Raven” (1845) – “For Annie” (1849) – “Annabel Lee” (1849)

Founder of the Short Story A story or poem should create a single effect. – “The Pit and the Pendulum” (1842) – “The Tell-Tale Heart” (1843) – “The Cask of Amontillado” (1846)

Originator of the Detective Story With the publication of “Murders in the Rue Morgue” in 1841, Poe gave birth to a new genre: The Detective Story.

“Ambitious to Excel” Never formally adopted by the Allans Wrote poems at a young age – By aged sixteen, had written enough to fill a book

Restless Spirit Tamerlane and Other Poems, his first book, was published in Poe was eighteen. Gets himself expelled from West Point.

Man of Letters “…excessively slothful, and wonderfully industrious – by fits.” Married 14-year-old cousin Virginia. In 1844, moved to New York with Virginia, but was plagued by poverty and ill health.

Poe’s Death Died in Baltimore in 1849 under mysterious circumstances.