Notes on Edgar Allan Poe's Life and Works

Overview

• Edgar Allan Poe is synonymous with macabre literature.
• His notable works include The Raven (poem) and The Murders in the Rue Morgue (story).
• Poe's life was filled with tragedy and bizarre circumstances.

Early Life

• Birth: January 19, 1809, in Boston.
• Parents: David and Eliza Poe, both stage actors.
• Family Moves: Moved to New York City, then Richmond, Virginia after father's abandonment.
• Mother's Death: Eliza died of tuberculosis in December 1811, shortly after giving birth to a daughter, Rosalie.
• Split Up: The Poe siblings were separated after their parents' deaths.

Adoption and Education

• Adoption: Edgar was adopted by John and Francis Allan.
• Relationship with John Allan: Tense; John considered Edgar ungrateful.
• University of Virginia: Enrolled but faced financial issues, leading to debt and drop out.
• Gambling Issues: Tried to gamble to pay debts, worsening his situation.

Early Career

• Self-Publishing: At 18, published poetry pamphlet Temerlane; it was unsuccessful.
• Military Service: Enlisted in the Army under alias Edgar A. Perry to escape creditors.
• West Point: Attended but was expelled after eight months for dereliction of duty.

Personal Life

• Moved to Baltimore to live with aunt, Maria Clemm.
• Married cousin Virginia Clemm on May 16, 1836, when she was 13.
• Drinking Problem: Struggled with alcoholism, affecting his job stability and relationships.

Major Works

• The Raven: Published in January 1845; became a significant literary success, leading to fame but little financial gain.
• Career decline post-The Raven: Lectures poorly received, faced personal scandals.

Later Life and Death

• Moved to a rural cottage post Virginia's tuberculosis diagnosis.
• Virginia died on January 30, 1847, which deeply affected Poe.
• Pursued relationships with multiple women, including Sarah Helen Whitman and Sarah Royster Shelton.

Mysterious Death

• Death Date: October 7, 1849.
• Circumstances: Found incoherent in Baltimore; died after days in a hospital.
• Cause of Death: Remains a mystery, with speculations ranging from rabies to foul play.

Conclusion

• Poe's life was as enigmatic as his stories, marked by tragedy, creativity, and unresolved mysteries.
• Discussion prompts: What facts about Poe surprised you? What is your favorite Poe story?