Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)

The Love of His Life – Virginia Clemm(1822-1847) "the loss of his wife was a sad blow to him. He did not seem to care, after she was gone, whether he lived an hour, a day, a week or a year; she was his all."

A Literary Genius? One of the earliest known American writers of the short story First well-known author to try to earn a living through writing alone Considered to be the inventor of the detective-fiction style Considered by some to be the creator of the horror, gothic, crime styles First American writer to be more popular in Europe than the USA

A Mystery Writer’s Death a Mystery? Died in Baltimore at the age of 40 Causes explored and rumored: alcoholism, brain congestion, cholera, drugs, heart disease, rabies, suicide, tuberculosis…… found on the streets of Baltimore delirious, "in great distress, and... in need of immediate assistance“(Oct.3,1849) “a depraved, drunk, drug-addled madman” "Edgar Allan Poe is dead. He died in Baltimore the day before yesterday. This announcement will startle many, but few will be grieved by it”(Oct.9,1849)

The Black Cat & The Tell-Tale Heart 1843

The Cask of Amontillado First published in November 1846 Horror short story A classic Poe work that centers around the victim being buried alive (immurement) Told from the killer’s point of view This story does not involve a police investigation

Montresor – the narrator/killer His family motto- “Nemo me impune lacessit”( no one can attack me without being punished) His Motive - __________. (Theme or main idea)

Fortunato The Victim Not so fortunate and dressed as a jester at the Carnival, he is made a fool by the killer. This is very ______.

The Palazzo

The Catacombs

The Bait for Revenge – Amontillado 492 litres