Edgar Allen Poe 4
Although not originally well received, Edgar Allan Poe, became one of the most influential literary writers in American history. As a child, he wrote numerous poems, many which were later published. As a young adult he focused much of his attention on short fiction. He was credited with creating the detective story and known for his psychological and often violent thrillers. He is also known for his macabre themes and for having a fascination with death. Literary students should recognize these characteristics associated with Poe's writings were shaped by many tragedies in his life, such as abandonment of his father, untimely death's of his mother, brother, wife, and other loved one's, and the problems he faced with his adoptive father. Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston on January 19, 1809. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to New York where his father, David Poe, resumed his acting career. David soon quit acting and abandoned his family. He died a short time later (Harrison 22). Soon afterward, Edgar's mother, Elizabeth, became ill and died (Nilsson). A young woman named Frances (also known as Fanny) and her husband, John Allan, took in Edgar. Soon thereafter, John, a tobacco trader, moved the family to England
. There, Edgar began his first formal education. In 1820, when the tobacco market in London collapsed, the Allan's returned to New York (Benfey; Nilsson). While away at school, Poe obtained large gambling debts and blamed John Allan for not providing proper financial support. When, Poe returned to Richmond during a school break, Allan reportedly broke off Poe's engagement to Elmira (Carlson). He (Allan) then sent Edgar to work at his company instead of sending him back to school (Thompson). In 1827, Edgar and John Allan's relationship completely fell apart. Poe wrote, "I've heard you say. . . that you have no affection for me" (qtd. in Nilsson). Edgar moved out and while "on the streets" developed a problem with alcohol. Before long he obtained employment with a small newspaper and provided the printer with some of his early manuscripts. This resulted in a booklet entitled, "Tamerlane and Other Poems." The main poem is a story about a warrior who returns home to find his childhood love has died and all his dreams gone. The writing was clearly influenced by Poe's own plight in life and his failed relationship with Elmira Royster (Nilsson). Thompson, G.R. "Edgar Allan Poe." Dictionary of Literary Biography Vol. 3. "Antebellum
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Approximate Word count = 2759
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)
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