Notes on Edgar Allan Poe's Life and Legacy

Introduction

• Edgar Allan Poe is known for his macabre themes.
• Famous works:
  • The Raven: A classic poem in the horror genre.
  • The Murders in the Rue Morgue: Invented the analytical detective trope.
• Poe's life was marked by tragedy and bizarre circumstances.

Early Life

• Born: January 19, 1809, in Boston.
• Parents: David and Eliza Poe, stage actors, frequently touring.
• Moved to New York City, where his father abandoned the family.
• Mother's Death: Eliza died from tuberculosis in December 1811, just days after her husband's death.
• Poe and his siblings were separated after their parents' deaths.

Adoption and Education

• Poe was adopted by John and Francis Allan in Richmond, Virginia.
• John Allan: Wealthy merchant with a strained relationship with Poe.
• Conflict escalated during Poe's time at the University of Virginia due to financial issues and gambling debts.
• Allan withdrew Poe from college, leading to Poe's departure to Boston to pursue poetry.

Early Career

• At 18, Poe self-published Temerlane and Other Stories, which was not commercially successful.
• Enlisted in the Army under the alias Edgar A. Perry to escape creditors.
• Achieved the rank of Sergeant Major, but grew bored and sought admission to West Point.

West Point and Personal Struggles

• Attended West Point starting July 1, 1830.
• Court-martialed in February 1831 for dereliction of duty; left the academy deliberately.
• Relationship with John Allan soured further after Allan paid a debt and refused to speak with Poe again.

Later Life and Marital Issues

• Moved to Baltimore to live with his aunt, Maria Clemm, and her family.
• Married his first cousin, Virginia, at 13 in 1836.
• Poe struggled with alcoholism and faced difficulties in his writing career:
  • Fired from jobs due to drinking but was rehired due to talent.
• The Raven published in January 1845, brought worldwide fame but little financial reward.

Personal Loss and Final Years

• Virginia fell ill with tuberculosis and died on January 30, 1847.
• Poe attempted to marry several women to escape poverty but faced rejections.
• Died on October 7, 1849, under mysterious circumstances after being found incoherent in a gutter.
• Speculations about his death include rabies or foul play.

Conclusion

• Despite a tragic life, Poe's literary contributions continue to influence modern horror and detective fiction.
• His death remains a mystery, reflecting the themes present in his works.