Edgar allAn poe

About the poet Born in 1809 in boston, MA. Died in 1849 in Baltimore, MD. Poe’s father worked as an actor in baltimore. Poe’s mother was a british actress.

Interesting facts! Did you know... 1. Poe is recognized as the inventor of the modern day detective story. 2. Poe inspired the name of the Baltimore Raven’s football team. 3. Poe was the writer of a literary gossip column.

Poe’s difficult childhood Before poe was three years old… His father abandoned him his mother died from tuberculosis Poe was adopted by john and frances allan. John was a wealthy businessman.

Poe’s difficult childhood continued Poe attended the university of virginia. poe’s foster father, john, did not pay all of his son’s tuition. Poe gambled to cover the costs, but got caught and was kicked out of school.

Relocation to boston While attending the univeristy of virginia, poe was engaged to his neighbor, sarah elmira royster. After returning home from school, he learned that sarah was engaged to someone else. Heartbroken, poe relocated to boston.

Life in boston While in boston, poe published “Tamerlane and other poems” (1827). Poe’s adopted father did not approve of his son’s passion for writing and poetry. He wanted Poe to work in the family business.

Poe’s relationship with john allan Their relationship is described as stormy. When Francis Allan died, John Allan arranged for Poe's release from the Army and got him a position at West Point in the US Military Academy. Poe wanted to be a writer and hated Westpoint, so he got expelled on purpose.

Poe’s relationship with john allan continued… Poe eventually breaks ties with his adopted parents and forms a new family with his aunt and cousin.

Poe’s marriage Poe’s new family consists of his aunt and cousin, Virginia Clemm. In 1836, Poe marries his thirteen year old cousin, Virginia. He believed Virginia was his muse. Poe’s wife, Virginia, dies 11 years later.

Poe’s Adult Life Poe struggled to support his family financially, due to his erratic behavior. Poe’s relationship with his adopted father was never repaired. His adopted mother died of Tuberculosis before he could say his goodbyes. Poe died two years after his wife’s death. There are different theories used to explain Poe’s death… Alcohol poisoning Brain Leisons Rabies Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Some of Poe’s Published works (1838) Ligeia (1839) Poe writes “The Fall of the House of Usher” & publishes "Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque", Poe's first volume of short stories. He receives no money from the publisher. (1842) Poe writes “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Pit and the Pendulum” (1845) Poe writes “The Raven” (1846) Poe publishes “The Cask of Amontillado” **HE WROTE MANY OTHER POEMS AND STORIES**

Poe’s Style and Common Themes

metaphor Poe uses metaphors to communicate a symbolic meaning, rather than a literal meaning.

Metaphor Example Fair river! in thy bright, clear flow     Of crystal, wandering water, Thou art an emblem of the glow        Of beauty -- the unhidden heart --        The playful maziness of art In old Alberto's daughter; But when within thy wave she looks --        Which glistens then, and trembles Why, then, the prettiest of brooks        Her worshipper resembles; For in my heart, as in thy stream,     Her image deeply lies -- The heart which trembles at the beam     Of her soul-searching eyes. -From “To the River”

Poe uses similes to create meaning by comparing two unlike things.

Simile example That holy dream that holy dream, While all the world were chiding,  Hath cheered me as a lovely beam  A lonely spirit guiding.  -From “a dream”

Imagery Poe’s use of imagery appeals to human senses & ties to common themes throughout his pieces of writing.

Imagery Example -From “The Sleeper”  At midnight, in the month of June,  I stand beneath the mystic moon.  An opiate vapor, dewy, dim,  Exhales from out her golden rim,  And, softly dripping, drop by drop,  Upon the quiet mountain top,  Steals drowsily and musically  Into the universal valley.  -From “The Sleeper”

Personification Poe attributes traits or sensibilities exclusive to human beings to inanimate objects, animals, and/or forces of nature. 

Personification Example   But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only  That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.  -From “The Raven”

Common themes Poe’s common themes are madness, untimely death, and obsession.