Edgar Allan Poe 1809-1849

The Life of Edgar Allan Poe Born in Boston in 1809 to two parents who were actors. His father abandoned the family in 1809. His mother died in the following year. Edgar was taken in by John and Francis Allan. When writing prose, Edgar began writing for many newspapers and periodicals. He moved among many cities during this time, especially Baltimore and New York. Poe wrote many poems and short stories during his lifetime. He is considered one of the most influential writers during the Romanticism movement. Poe died in 1849, at the age of 40, in Baltimore. His death was attributed to alcohol, brain congestion, drugs, and suicide.

Dark romanticism – Gothic Literture Poe is one of the most iconic writers of the Romanticism movement. Many of the characteristics of Romanticism come from Poe’s writing style. Poe is considered to be a “dark romantic” writer: - Human condition - Corruption Horror Death - Unknown Poe is considered the founder of the “mystery” genre, detective stories, and the emergence of science fiction. Poe writers in the “gothic” style – a style that first developed in Victorian England.

Gothic style Origins: Horace Walpole – The Castle of Otranto Gothic fiction, gothic horror, macabre Origins: Horace Walpole – The Castle of Otranto Gothic literature involves a combination of Romantic characteristics, terror, horror, and death. Famous Gothic Writers: Bram Stoker (Dracula), Horace Walpole, and Edgar Allan Poe.

Famous Works Poems: “The Raven” / “Annabel Lee” / “The Bells” Short Stories: “The Cask of Amontillado” / “Masque of the Red Death” / “The Fall of the House of Usher” / “The Tell-Tale Heart”

The Cask of Amontillado Published in November 1846. The story takes place in an Italian village during the carnival. The year is unknown. The story is about a man who takes fatal revenge on a friend who he believes insulted him. The story is told through the perspective of the murderer.

The masque of the red death Short story published in May 1842. The story is about Prince Prospero trying to avoid death by hiding in his castle. Prospero hosts a masquerade ball for his court and the wealthy nobles in his castle. An unexpected guest arrives at the masque. Strong example of Gothic fiction. Often seen as an allegory for the inevitability of death. Allegory: a story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning (moral or political)