1. Edgar Allan Poe

2. His Family and Tragic Life
Born in Boston
The son of traveling actors
Tragic and unhappy life

3. Tragic and Unhappy Life
Mother died, father deserted him at the age of two
adopted by Mr. and Mrs. John Allan
constant disagreements with his step-father

4. . . .continued
Studied briefly at the University of Virginia
Drinking and gambling difficulties kept him from continuing at UVA

5. . . .continued
Received an appointment to West Point, but he provoked his own dismissal
Caused a final separation between Poe and his step-father

6. . . .continued
In 1836 married his 14 year old cousin, Virginia
Last 12 years of life worked as a journalist, editor, and creative writer

7. . . . continued
Lived in poverty stricken conditions
In 1846 wife died after a long illness

8. . . . continued
Died in Baltimore after he was found in a drunken stupor
Died a poor man

9. Poe’s Work Known for: Tales of mystery and terror stories
Introducing the modern detective story

10. Just a Few Titles Poems: Short Stories The Tell-Tale Heart The Raven
The Cask of Amontillado
The Pit and The Pendulum
Poems:
The Raven
Annabel Lee
To Helen
Lenore
The Bells

11. Literary terms Mood – The feelings brought up in the reader Tone –
The attitude a writer takes toward a subject

12. Suspense Story Characteristics
Anticipation for the climax or ending
Use setting and word choice to create a disturbing mood or atmosphere
Much of a scary story's suspense is conveyed through the characters' thoughts, words, actions, and reactions to events and other characters
Moments are slowed down
Use of sensory details

13. “The Cask of Amontillado”
Why did Montresor seek revenge on Fortunato?
How did Montresor know that the house would be empty?
Consider the symbolic implications of the descent into the wine cellar.
Where and when is the story set? Give reasons for your answer.
Why does Montresor make sure Fortunato has drunk a lot of wine?
What is Luchresi’s role in the story?
What preparations had Montresor made for his revenge?
Why does Montresor appear concerned about Fortunato’s health?
Describe Fortunato’s character.
Can you point to any evidence of humor in the story?

14. Create a Book Cover- 2nd block
Requirements:
Front: title, author, picture, color
Back: Paragraph summary of story with heading
Inside: 1 paragraph biography of Poe’s life with heading

15. Create a Book Cover- 4th block
Requirements:
Front: title, author, picture, color
Back: Summary of story (2 paragraphs) with heading
Inside: Brief biography of Poe’s life (2 paragraphs) with heading