Edgar Allan Poe

Boston, MA in 1809 Father abandoned family and mother died when Poe was two years old from tuberculosis Separated from siblings after death Adopted by Mr. and Mrs. John Allan – prosperous, practical, thrifty couple

Did not receive much support from family while attending University of Virginia Drank heavily and found himself in debt Broken engagement Quit school as a result

Shunned by family, no job skills, no money Joined U.S. Army in 1827 at 18 Attained rank of sergeant major but fell under pressures of regimented military life Released his first book of poetry – failure: Tamerlane In 1829, John Allan attempted to reconcile and endorsed Edgar’s application to West Point

Again, received no financial support from father and dropped out of West Point in 1830 Allegedly broke rules and disobeyed duties to warrant dismissal Poet first and foremost; poverty and misfortune proved a distraction from work Newspaper editor and journalist

October 3, 1849: found delirious in Baltimore, “in great distress, and… in need of immediate assistance” Taken to hospital where he died four days later Called out name “Reynolds” and wearing clothes that were not his own “Lord, help my poor soul” – final words “Cerebral inflammation” – alcoholism?

The Poe Toaster Visitor of Poe’s grave every January 19 th (birthday) since the 1960’s Arrives early in the early morning, toast with cognac, and leaves 3 roses Toaster’s last appearance was January 19, 2009, the day of Poe’s bicentennial

Style of Writing Enduring themes of works: loss of loved ones loss of romantic love Decay and decomposition Reanimation of the dead The live burial