Edgar Allan Poe: The Master of Horror Literacy 8 – Mr. Jost

Masters of Horror Stephen King is often compared to the 18th century weaver of horror tales, Edgar Allan Poe

Poe’s Life Best known for poetry and short fiction pieces Life span: 1809-1849 Created the detective story and refined psychological thriller World-wide influence on literature

Poe’s Childhood Parents: David Poe and Elizabeth Atkins Parents died before Poe was 3 Adopted by John Allan Poe was baptized Edgar Allan Poe

Poe’s Young Adult Years Poe quarreled with John Allan Attended University of Virginia Incurred gambling debts and left UV Enlisted in US Army

Trouble Follows Poe After Allan died, Poe was discharged from Army Poe was expelled from West Point Throughout his troubles, Poe continued to write

Poe’s Romance Lived with Aunt, Maria Clemm, and cousin Virginia Dated Virginia and married her (13 yr. old) Began writing for newspapers/magazines Moved to Philadelphia Poe House in Philly

Poe’s Masterpieces Written Poe published some of best known works: The Raven The Tell-Tale Heart The Black Cat The Cask of Amontillado The Murders in Rue Morgue The Premature Burial

Point of View Unreliable narrator Usually done in the first-person point of view Different types The Adventurer – exaggeration or bragging; self-importance The Madman – mental illness, such as schizophrenia or paranoia The Clown – not taking the situations seriously The Naïve – immature or limited in experience The Liar – deliberately misrepresents himself to hide the truth from reader

Death in Poe’s Life Lost mother to “coughing sickness”/tuberculosis Lost Virginia to “coughing sickness”/tuberculosis

Mystery of Poe’s Death Found delirious in Baltimore on October 3 Found in someone else's clothing Found on Election Day Died October 7 Many different theories about what actually happened