Edgar Allan Poe

Born 1809 - 1949 Leads a very tragic life

Age 2: Foster Kid -Born in Baltimore, VA -Parents were actors -Father leaves family -Mother dies year later

Poe moves in with wealthy the Allan family, but they don’t take his brother & sister.

Poe’s brother dies 1 year later His sister goes insane Poe never fits in with the wealthy Allans

Poe begins writing Age 5:

Age 17: After years of fighting with the Allans, Poe goes to away to the University of Virginia…

…but he gets kicked out for: A. Heavy gambling debts B. Excessive drinking C. Not attending class D. All of the above

Good News! Age 18:Poe’s Engaged

Her name is Elmira. She says yes after years of ignoring him…

… but her parents break off the engagement.

Poe is accepted to the prestigious military school, West Point… and he’s kicked out.

Age 19: Poe begins publishing poems

Age 27: Poe moves in with some relatives… and finds a wife.

He marries his 13 year old cousin, Virginia. After a stint in the army (thrown out for drinking), Poe is a full time writer.

This is the happiest time in Poe’s life: He’s writing He’s getting paid He’s only been fired 2x He’s in love

Age 33: Virginia is very ill: tuberculosis Poe starts drinking heavily He writes “The Raven”

“The Raven:” a man’s depression over the death of a loved one drives him mad

Age 39: Virginia dies He drinks, gambles, & losses all his money

Deterioration: Poe never recovers from the death of Virginia Drinks more than ever Becomes re-engaged to Elmira

Death 1849: Oct. 3RD: Found distressed / wild / drunk / wearing someone else’s clothes in the streets of Baltimore Oct. 7th: Dies of brain swelling / alcoholism

Funeral: 1849: Attended by 7 people Oct. 11th, 2009: Baltimore tries again

Funeral:

Gomez from the Addams Family