Who was Edgar Allan Poe? I’m just a Poe boy… Research and create a quick biography of Poe. (birthplace, birthdate, death, parents, siblings, lovers, friends, occupations, list of works, etc.) That’s so Raven! Research and create a slide explaining Poe’s writing style. (What is his style, why does he write in that style, what influences that style, does his style have an effect on his literature, etc.) When it Rains, it Poes. Research and create a slide detailing the world around Poe. (What time period did he write in, what was going on in the world around him, did his surroundings affect him in a positive or negative way) Poe Drama/Trauma Research and explain what made Poe, Poe. Why was he so weird?! (timeline of events that may have driven him mad, influences, illnesses, etc.) Decide which group member will research each topic and create 1 - 2 slides to present the findings. Do not delete the title slides provided for you. You may, however, add additional slides. There is already 1 blank slide provided for each group member.

I’m Just a Poe Boy...

The Life of The Poe boy Edgar Poe was born on January 19, 1809. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Edgar’s parents were traveling actors and were very poor. Edgar’s father left him and his two siblings and mom and later his mom died of tuberculosis. Then three days later his dad died of the same disease. Edgar was just three years old. Then Edgar was split from his siblings and fostered by John and Frances Allan, so he took their last name. Then Poe started started writing poems. In 1827 he enlisted into the army and soon got kicked out. Then he moved in with his aunt and cousin. Researcher #1: Research and create a quick biography of Poe. ( birthplace, birthdate, death, parents, siblings, lovers, friends, occupations, lists of works, etc)

Some more about the Poe Boy At age 26, Edgar moved in with his Aunt and he fell in love with his 13 year old cousin, Virginia. A lot of people thought this was scandalous. I mean who wouldn’t, it’s incest. This was also when Poe started selling his poetry and became well known. Believe it or not Poe actually loved his wife. He would give her gifts and was at her beckoning call. Sadly she died at age 24 from Tuberculosis. Edgar took it very hard and he turned to drugs and alcohol to make up for Virginia’s absence. Then he moved traveled to Baltimore and no one is sure why, but then he was found in a state of semi-consciousness. Then Poe died four days later on October 7, 1849. Doctors believe he had rabies. Poe is still very much remembered today across the world.

That’s So Raven!

Edgar Allen Poe’s Writing Style Edgar Allen Poe was both a poet and an author, and he had a very dark style of writing that was unique to him. He often wrote in the Gothic style - literature that frequently deals with themes of evil, death, or darkness. His stories often involved themes of both lost love and death. He discussed the physical signs of death, decomposition, mourning, and other dreadful topics. His stories were mysterious, and more often than not had deeper meanings behind them than what was shown on the surface. Researcher #2: Research and create a slide explaining Poe’s writing style. (What is his style? Why does he write in that style? What influences his style? Does his style have an effect on his literature? etc..)

When it Rains, it Poes.

The World Around Poe In the year Poe was born, Thomas Jefferson was president. He was born in a time where many wars were waged. During his life, he did not have the kind of luxuries that we have today - life was much harder for everyone back then. He lived during the reign of communism, racism, sexism, and more. These tragedies may have influenced many of his works. Additionally, he also lived during the time of many creative geniuses, such as Charles Dickens and Beethoven. This could have inspired him as well. Researcher #3: Research and create a slide detailing the world around Poe. (What time period did he write in? What was going on in the world around him? Did his surroundings affect him in a positive or negative way?)

Poe Drama/ Trauma

When Poe was three, both of his parents, whom were actors, died, leaving him an orphan until he was taken in by a foster parent. He also had a gambling addiction at some point. When he came of age, he married Virginia, who died of tuberculosis. Throughout his life, he was poor and depressed, treating his depression with opium, which also curved his writing. All of these things contribute to make his writing just as dark as his life in depression. Researcher #4: Research and create a slide explaining what made Poe, Poe. Why is he so weird?!? (timeline of events that may have driven him mad, influences, illnesses, etc.)