Edgar Allan Poe Biography

Summary

The video details the life of Edgar Allan Poe, a poet and author whose life was as tragic and dramatic as his writings. Born in 1809 in Boston, Poe faced early loss and hardship, including the death of both parents and the struggles with his stepfather. Despite his early poetry publications, Poe struggled financially and emotionally, especially after the death of his young wife, Virginia. The video explores his achievements, including his creation of the modern detective story and his famous poem 'The Raven.' Though plagued by poverty, illness, and personal tragedies, Poe's literary legacy endures to this day.

Takeaways

• 😀 Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19th, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts, to actors David Poe Jr. and Elizabeth Arnold.
• 😀 Poe was orphaned by the age of two and was taken in by Francis and John Allen, who renamed him Edgar Allan Poe.
• 😀 Poe's relationship with his stepfather, John Allen, was difficult, which led to Poe leaving the Allen household at age 18.
• 😀 Poe briefly served in the army and attended West Point, but eventually moved to Baltimore, where he lived with his Aunt Maria Clem.
• 😀 Despite publishing three volumes of poetry between 1827 and 1831, Poe struggled financially and worked various jobs, including as an editor.
• 😀 Poe married his 13-year-old cousin, Virginia Clemm, in 1836, but she tragically died of tuberculosis 11 years later.
• 😀 Following his wife's death, Poe's physical and emotional health deteriorated, and he faced significant personal struggles.
• 😀 Poe was found in a deteriorated state in October 1849 and died at Washington College Hospital on October 7th, 1849.
• 😀 Poe is best known for his poem 'The Raven,' published on January 29th, 1845, which gained him immediate fame.
• 😀 Poe's literary works, particularly his short stories and criticism, had a lasting impact, making him a key figure in American literature.
• 😀 Poe was also a pioneer in the detective fiction genre and contributed to cryptography and literary criticism, despite facing personal hardships.

Q & A

What was Edgar Allan Poe's early family life like?

Edgar Allan Poe was born to actors David Poe Jr. and Elizabeth Arnold in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 19th, 1809. By the time he was 2 years old, both of his parents had died, and he was taken in by Francis and John Allen, where he was christened Edgar Allan Poe.

How did Poe's relationship with his stepfather, John Allen, affect his life?

Poe's relationship with his stepfather was strained and tumultuous, eventually leading to him leaving the Allen household at the age of 18. This contributed to his feelings of abandonment and instability throughout his life.

What were some of Edgar Allan Poe's early career efforts?

Poe tried various careers, including joining the army and briefly enrolling at West Point. He also worked as an editor for different newspapers and literary magazines, though his early attempts at publishing his own works were not financially successful.

Who did Edgar Allan Poe marry, and what tragedy did he experience in his personal life?

Poe married his 13-year-old cousin, Virginia Clemm, in 1836 when he was 27. Tragically, Virginia died from tuberculosis 11 years later, deeply affecting Poe's mental and physical health.

How did Edgar Allan Poe's health and personal struggles affect his later life?

After Virginia's death, Poe struggled with emotional and psychological difficulties, including alcoholism and poor health. These struggles plagued him, and by October 1849, he was found in a deteriorated condition on the streets of Baltimore and later died in a hospital.

What is the significance of Poe's poem 'The Raven' in his career?

'The Raven,' first published in 1845, was an immediate success and made Poe a celebrity. It is often remembered as one of his most famous works and brought him financial success, though his earnings still did not alleviate his chronic poverty.

How does Jeffrey Meyers interpret 'The Raven' in his biography of Poe?

In his biography, Jeffrey Meyers describes 'The Raven' as portraying the obsession of a melancholy man on the edge of madness. The marble bust of Pallas represents wisdom, while the ill-omened raven symbolizes intuitive truth, with grief overwhelming hope.

What contributions did Poe make to the literary world beyond poetry?

Poe is credited with creating the modern detective story and made significant contributions to literary criticism. He was also a cryptographer, editor, and lecturer, shaping the literary landscape of his time.

What was Poe's view on his own mental state, as revealed in his letter to George W. EVN?

In a letter to George W. EVN, Poe revealed that he had periods of insanity, stating, 'I became insane with long intervals of horrible sanity.' This reflected his ongoing struggle with mental and emotional challenges throughout his life.

How did Edgar Allan Poe's life and struggles influence his lasting legacy?

Despite his personal tragedies, poverty, and mental health issues, Edgar Allan Poe left behind a significant body of work that still resonates with readers today. His stories and poems, including 'The Raven,' continue to influence literature and are a testament to his genius and suffering.