An Animated Biography of Edgar Allan Poe

Summary

Edgar Allan Poe, born on January 19th, 1809, faced early tragedy with the death of his parents and was raised by a guardian in Virginia. His passion for writing was ignited by the works of Byron and Dickens, but financial struggles and personal hardships, including a failed education and broken engagement, led to a tumultuous life. Poe's literary career took off with his collection 'Tamerlane and Other Poems,' and he became renowned for his macabre tales and influential critiques. His life was marked by gothic romanticism and a focus on psychological depth. Tragedy struck again with the death of his wife, Virginia, leading to a downward spiral. Poe's mysterious death at 40 left a legacy of haunting and influential literature.

Takeaways

• 📅 Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19th, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts.
• 😢 Both of Poe's parents died before he turned four, leaving him an orphan.
• 🏡 He was sent to live with tobacco farmer John Allan in Virginia, who later added 'Allen' to Poe's name.
• 🎓 Poe had the opportunity to attend school and study abroad in England, where he developed a passion for literature.
• 📚 Influenced by authors like Lord Byron and Charles Dickens, Poe began writing his own stories and poems.
• 💸 Financial troubles led to Poe's guardian cutting off his education, and Poe turned to gambling and alcohol to cope.
• 💼 He joined the US Army, becoming a sergeant major, and published his first collection, 'Tamerlane and Other Poems'.
• 👩‍❤️‍👨 Poe married his cousin Virginia and moved to New York, where he worked as a literary critic and editor.
• 📈 Known for his macabre tales and influential critiques, Poe gained fame in the literary community.
• 💔 The death of his wife Virginia from tuberculosis deeply affected Poe, leading to a period of personal turmoil.
• 🔍 Poe's life ended mysteriously at the age of 40, found dead outside a bar in Baltimore.

Q & A

On what date and where was Edgar Allan Poe born?

Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19th, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts.

What happened to Poe's parents when he was a child?

Both of Poe's parents died before he reached the age of four, leaving him an orphan.

Who became the guardian of Edgar Allan Poe after his parents' death?

After his parents' death, Poe was sent to Virginia under the guardianship of tobacco farmer John Allan.

What impact did John Allan's financial troubles have on Poe's education?

John Allan's financial troubles led to Poe being unable to continue his education as Allan refused to finance it further.

How did Poe attempt to support himself financially while trying to stay in college?

Poe turned to gambling as an immediate source of income to support himself and stay in college.

What was the title of Poe's first published collection of poems?

Poe's first published collection of poems was titled 'Tamerlane and Other Poems'.

Why did Poe join the US Army?

Poe joined the US Army to find paying work, eventually becoming a sergeant major.

What significant event happened in Poe's personal life while he was in Baltimore?

In Baltimore, Poe married his cousin Virginia, who was many years his junior.

What are some of the literary tools and techniques Poe was known for using in his writing?

Poe was known for using literary tools such as allegory, alliteration, repetition, and rhyme, which elevated and distinguished his text.

What is the term used to describe the genre and style of Poe's work?

Poe's work can be described as 'Gothic Romanticism', combining his affinity for supernatural subject matter with the emotional emphasis of 19th-century romanticism.

How did the death of his wife, Virginia, affect Poe?

The death of his wife Virginia from tuberculosis left Poe in acute mental and emotional distress, leading to a downward spiral in his life.

What mysterious circumstances surrounded Poe's death?

Poe mysteriously vanished before his planned remarriage to his ex-fiancee, Eliza, and was found dead outside a bar in Baltimore ten days later, at the age of 40.