How Did Edgar Allan Poe Develop

Jarrett Sumbera
Mrs. Caudill
Pre-AP English II-3
24 September 2012

Edgar Allen Poe Edgar Allen Poe was a man that led a depressing life filled with trial and tribulation, which caused him to stumble consistently. He was a compelling poet though. He wrote what is considered some of the greatest works. His use of words and how he crafted them into such ornate phrases resulted in his recognition as one of the greatest poets ever. Although Poe was a great writer, his life was dark, which is clearly portrayed in his poetry. To truly understand why Edgar Allen Poe’s poetry was so dark and compelling you need to delve into his life and analyze it carefully. Edgar Allen Poe was born January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. His parents
He decided to go to West Point, where he excelled at his studies once again, but he was kicked out once again for not handling his duties well. After leaving West Point, Poe lived in several places including New York City, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Richmond. In 1831 to 1835, Poe stayed in Baltimore with his aunt and cousin. His cousin, Virginia shared his literary passion and was an inspiration to his writing. Poe also became very interested in Virginia in a romantic way, resulting in the couple getting married in 1836. Virginia was only 14 years old at the time. Poe at this time had already produced several pieces of literature. He returned to Richmond in 1835 and began to work for a magazine called the Southern Literary Messenger. He produced several works with them. “Poe’s aggressive-reviewing style and sometimes combative personality strained his relationship with the publication, and he left the magazine. His problems with alcohol also played a role in his departure according to some sources”. (Edgar Allen Poe Biography, biography.com; page 1-2) Poe produced many major works including: The Raven, Bernice, Ligeia, The Fall of the House of Usher, Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Black Cat, and many
In 1947 Poe’s beloved wife, Virginia, died. This event was catastrophic in Poe’s life and hit him like a sludge hammer. His wife’s death was one of the key points of his death, causing him to go into depression, and increase his use of alcohol. In June of 1849, Poe moved to Philadelphia to visit his friend John Sartain. He joined the “Sons of Temperance” while in Philadelphia in an effort to stop his consumption of alcohol. Poe went back to New York for a while and then he returned, but he took the wrong train, the one to Baltimore. On October 3, Poe was found collapsed and unconscious. He was taken immediately to the hospital where he soon died, October 7, 1849. His last words were, “Lord, help my pour soul”. (Edgar Allen Poe biography, biography.com; Pg.2) Poe’s death is a mystery to many. There are many theories why he died all of the sudden at a very early age. Many think it was because of his overindulgence in alcohol and drugs, other say it was because he had rabies, none are for sure