Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe - The Life of an American Writer-

Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe is a famous American writer of short stories and poetry. He is most well known for his dark, gothic style of writing.

Historical Facts About His Life Born in 1809 in Boston. Parents both actors and died when he was 3 Raised in Richmond, Virginia by rich merchant, John Allan & wife A rebel who liked to drink and gamble in first year of school at Virginia University.

Historical Facts About His Life Acquired many debts, John Allan refused to pay them for him; Poe no longer had any monetary support Enlisted in the army, but continued to write for fun. Kicked out of West Point for disobedience (on purpose)

How He Became Famous First book was written in college (1827) and was called TAMERLANE A collection of old English style poetry that got great reviews Could no longer be supported by his guardian or by the army, he took to writing full time

Lost a lot of his money gambling Allergic to alcohol and drugs; they made him ill Editor of his own magazine First books were published anonymously Was inspired by real murders Didn’t get along with his guardian, but wanted his inheritance Little-Known Facts

Major Life Events Poetry and short stories were mostly acclaimed Virginia died at only 24, which influenced much of his writing Married his cousin Virginia, she was only 13 Never earned enough money to support wife and himself

2 years after death of wife, engaged his childhood sweetheart Stopped in Baltimore to bring Mother-in-law to wedding Found semi-conscious, intoxicated outside a tavern, died 4 days later Much mystery & debate about how/why he died How He Died

Poe’s Style and Contribution to Literature…

New Literary Techniques Poe invented the following: modern gothic writing “short prose narrative” or what we call the short story modern detective story – “rationcination” solving a mystery through reasoning “principle of the total effect” -everything in story stays focused on the point -No excessive showy language -Appeals to emotions not intellect -Appeals to all 5 senses

Poe’s Types of Writing Psychological StoryNarrative that explores the mind/psyche Horror/ Gothic StoryNarrative that explores the horrifying or supernatural Detective StoryNarrative that solves a mystery PoetryRhythmic Verse

Poe’s Technique Morbid Settings (gruesome, gloomy, unhealthy) Imagery: words that appeal to the 5 senses First Person point of view (“I” as narrator) Irony (when the audience knows something the character does not or an unexpected outcome) Atmosphere of "probable but impossible."

Most Famous Works Short Stories: -The Tell-Tale Heart -The Black Cat -The Masque of the Red Death -The Pit and the Pendulum -The Fall of the House of Usher Poems: -The Raven -Annabel Lee The Murders of the Rue Morgue (First modern detective story)*not reading