“The Raven” By Edgar Allan Poe

Warm-Up Describe what you see in the picture. Who is it? How does he feel? What is his background? What type of bird? Why a bird? How does the bird feel? What do you feel when you look at these images? Warm-Up

Author Background – Early Life -Parents (actors) separated at age 2 -Put up for adoption -Adoptive parents rich, but only gave Edgar 1/3 of what he needed to live successfully at the University of Virginia -Went to the Army, ended up at West Point, was kicked out -Most of his writing was rejected -Became editor of a paper -Rose circulation from 5000 to 35,000 because he decoded reader messages that were sent in -Tried to start his own magazine, it failed

Author Background- Adult Life -Married his 13 year old cousin (died of tuberculosis shortly after) -Mom and sister died of tuberculosis -Brother dies young -Dad died and left Edgar no money, did not even mention him in his will -Became known for his scary stories, not many poems other than “The Raven” became popular while he was alive -Only paid $9 for “The Raven” -Found delirious in a restaurant near Boston, died in a hospital soon after -Obituary became a story known as “Edgar Allan Poe is Dead” -”Poe Toaster” visited his grave every year and left 3 roses

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