"I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity." — Edgar Allan Poe 19 th Century Genius Edgar Allan Poe

Biological Parents: The Poes – David—drank heavily – Elizabeth—deserted by husband and died at young age – Edgar was left an orphan Adopted Parents: The Allans – John—became Edgar’s guardian and provided for his education, but never supported his decisions – Francis—adored Edgar, but never legally adopted him – Edgar took Allan as his middle name, wanted to feel like he belonged

 Most known for his Gothic writings  Gothic-a genre of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance.  Nicknamed “The Father of the Detective Story ”  Most respected for his career as an essayist and editor of the Southern Literary Messenger

 Most prestigious poem—”The Raven”  Other detective stories  “The Purloined Letter”  “The Fall of the House of Usher”  “The Cask of Amontillado”  “The Tell-Tale Heart”

 Lived with his Aunt, Maria Clemm, during times of financial hardship  Fell in love and married Clemm’s daughter, Virginia, when she was 13  Virginia was Poe’s cousin

 Many people close to Poe died.  Mrs. Poe-tuberculosis  Mrs. Allan-tuberculosis  Virginia-tuberculosis  Much of his life was lived in poverty. He was never able to provide for his wife.

 Found half-dead in an alley in Baltimore.  Died 4 days later in a hospital.  Cause of death was unknown, but could be attributed to alcoholism, drugs, or other illness.

 Poe always wore black— reinforcing the Gothic theme.  Always spoke in a whisper or low tones, even in a violent discussion.