Edgar Allan Poe

The Man Behind The Story Edgar Allan Poe 1809-1849

The Man Behind the Story His Early Life Born Jan. 19, 1809 in Boston, MA Parents, David & Elizabeth, were actors Father abandoned the family when Poe was young Mother died of tuberculosis (TB) when Poe was 2 Raised by John & Frances Allen in Richmond, VA John discouraged Poe’s writing; contentious relationship John disowned Poe because of gambling debts Poe accumulated in trying to raise money for college Frances loved Poe; she died of TB when he was 20

The Man Behind the Story His Early Life Engaged to Elmira Royster, who broke his heart by pledging herself to another man while Poe was at college Entered the military, but was court-martialed and dismissed for not attending classes or chapel Married his 13-year-old cousin, Virginia Clemm, when he was 27 years old Virginia became his inspiration; died of TB at age 24 Maria Clemm, Poe’s aunt and Virginia’s mother, cared for Poe as though he were her son

The Man Behind the Story His writings Published horror poems and short stories to earn money; famous for the macabre (the disturbing and horrific) Known as the father of detective fiction Some of his most famous short stories The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Masque of the Red Death, and The Cask of Amontillado Some of his most famous poems The Raven, The Bells, and Annabelle Lee

The Man Behind the Story His Death Died Oct. 7, 1849 Plagued by grief after Virginia’s death in 1847 Mysterious death with an unknown cause Discovered lying unconscious in the streets of Baltimore on Oct. 3 and died a few days later Theories include alcoholism, rabies, and murder by poisoning Buried in Baltimore, MD Until recently, a mysterious visitor would leave cognac and flowers on Poe’s grave each year on the day of his birth

What is the story about? The narrator tells the story of how he used guile to seek revenge against another man and kill him.

Setting: CArnival

Carn = flesh (meat) Val = farewell Carnival = a farewell to meat What is carnival? Carn = flesh (meat) Val = farewell Carnival = a farewell to meat Carnival is a secular holiday leading up to the Christian observance of Lent. During Lent, Christians do not eat particular foods as a way to focus on their faith and prepare for the celebration of Easter.

During the parties, people traditionally wear decorative masks. What is carnival? During Carnival, people party, drink alcohol, and eat lots of food because they know that, during Lent, they can not. (Think Mardi Gras in New Orleans…) Lent is observed during the 40 days leading up to Easter, not including Sundays. During the parties, people traditionally wear decorative masks.

With alcohol and costumes, people behave in ways they normally may not… alcohol dulls the senses costumes provide anonymity

Because people are partying and drinking with a sense of security, it is likely that a crime such as murder may go unnoticed…

Setting: Catacombs

The narrator plans to murder another man in his catacombs. What are CATACOMBS? The narrator plans to murder another man in his catacombs. Underground burial chambers Often have many tunnels and hidden corners where bodies are placed.

Important detail: Amontillado Amontillado is a fine sherry wine.

amontillado and the catacombs During the 1800s, there was no such thing as refrigeration. To keep wine chilled, people would have wine cellars underground where temperatures would remain cool. Because they are underground, catacombs were also used to store wine.

In the story, the narrator asks his victim to take a trip into the catacombs for a taste of some fine amontillado. This is where he plans to commit his crime.

It’s time to enter the world of Carnival. Welcome! But beware…

The Beginning of the Story The first paragraph of this gothic tale is perhaps the most difficult to understand, yet it is imperative in adding greater meaning and purpose to the story.

The Beginning of the Story The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge. You, who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose, however, that I gave utterance to a threat. At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitively settled – but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved, precluded the idea of risk. I must not only punish, but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.