Author's Life

Starting Out:

Edgar Allan Poe's life began January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts. His parents, both actors were David Poe Jr. and Elizabeth Arnold Poe. Poe quickly became an orphan after his father abandoned him, and his mother died of tuberculosis when Poe was only 2 years old. Poe was taken in by John and Frances Allan (his fosters), and would now live in Richmond, Virginia. Poe eventually attended the University of Virginia in 1826 for only a short period of time because of his financial instability due to gambling debts. Poe then went on to join the U.S Army in 1827 and after that, entered the U.S Military Academy at West Point in 1830 where he was dismissed after a year for not following his duties. Poe returned home, where he encountered many issues with John Allan, one of his fosters. This forced Poe to move to Baltimore, where he would now live with his aunt Maria Clemm, and her daughter, Virginia. Poe started focusing more on his writing, he began selling his short stories to magazines, which helped get himself familiar with the public. His career was only getting started, and he would soon find success and develop his style which is still acknowledged as incredible today.

Writing Career:

Poe wrote his first poem, the Tamerlane, along with a couple others in 1827. He would publish these in 1829, before attending the U.S Military Academy at West Point. After Poe's dismissal from the academy, he soon returned to Baltimore with his aunt and cousin. Poe began to write stories, which proved successful. In 1833 his “MS. Found in a Bottle” won $50 from a Baltimore weekly, and by 1835 he was in Richmond as editor of the Southern Literary Messenger. There he made a name as a critical reviewer and married his young cousin Virginia Clemm, who was only 13 (Poe was 27). Poe began to slip into an addiction to alcohol- which caused him to be fired from his job in Richmond. Many of Poe's works include addiction of some form, for example, "The Black Cat"- one of Poe's most popular poems explores the dangers and possible effects of addiction- possibly a reflection of his internal struggles. Poe continued publishing his work, and earning lots of profit from submitting his writing into magazines- which got him lots of attention and publicity as well. Poe was able to channel his internal stuggle through his writing, which is seen in many of his works, which circle around darkness, madness, and gloom. Poe is't just, putting words on a page, he is expressing emotion which he effectively was able to do through his use of imagery, personification, and many other literary elements he would use to enhance his writing. Poe's ability to express what he wanted through words was a unique skill people acknowledge, and love him for. Poe's career was able to bring him success, and also satisfaction that he could express so much onto a page by just using words.

Accomplishments:

Edgar Allan Poe is known not just for his amazing, well-crafted works like the Tell-Tale Heart and the Black Cat, but also his unique background and his journey to success. He remains an inspiration today for many individuals who read his work. Poe's ability to create such specific imagery and intriguing plot lines is what makes him unique to many writers. Poe is credited with being the creator of the modern-day detective fiction genre because of his execution in his short-tales which is acknowledged to be very effective in including suspense and mystery. The well-known "Sherlock Holmes" was inspired by Poe's story, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841) because of the stories inclusion of a protagonist detective who uses logic and observation to solve the crimes described in the story. Another honorable mention is Poe's piece, "The Raven" which brought Poe instant fame. Poe is also acknowledged for his critiques, as he has argued on what should be expressed through literature, and his demand for artistic excellence. Poe is recognized as having some of the most literary significant pieces ever made under his title, because of his unique style and expressed individuality throughout his style of writing.

Legacy:

Edgar Allan Poe as stated, is recognized for his artistic ability and his effective expression in his writing. He is remembered as the master of gothic and psychological horror, and his influence still contributes to the production of writing today. Not only is his work impressive, but also the path in which he found success, and his life-style which is vastly different to the modern age's "norm". Edgar Allan Poe's struggle with addiction reveal a significant truth that struggles don't define a person. In Poe's case, he used his personal obstacles to create his work in such a dark and impactful way that effects the outlook of the reader. Poe's legacy is carried on by acknowledging and giving credit to his work, and in monuments such as the Poe Museum, which is located in Richmond, Virginia, where Poe spent a lot of his life living. Poe's impact on literature does not go unnoticed, and stands significant to society even today.