Edgar Allan Poe

Who Was Edgar Allan Poe?

Edgar Allan Poe was a prominent American writer, poet, critic, and editor of the 19th century, celebrated for his hauntingly evocative short stories and poems that captivated readers around the globe. His imaginative storytelling and narratives steeped in mystery and horror not only defined a genre but also laid the groundwork for the modern detective story. Works such as “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Raven,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher” have become enduring literary classics. The enigmatic elements of Poe’s life often mirror the themes in his writing, with the distinction between fact and fiction becoming increasingly obscured since his untimely death in 1849 at the age of 40.

Early Life

Edgar Allan Poe was born Edgar Poe on January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts. He never truly knew his biological parents: his mother, Elizabeth Arnold Poe, was a British actress, while his father, David Poe Jr., was an actor originally from Baltimore. His father abandoned the family when Edgar was very young, and his mother succumbed to tuberculosis when he was only two years old.

Following this tragic loss, Poe was separated from his siblings, William and Rosalie, and placed in the care of his foster parents, John and Frances Allan, in Richmond, Virginia. John Allan was a prosperous tobacco merchant, and although Edgar seemed to form a close bond with Frances, his relationship with John was tumultuous.

By the age of 13, Poe was already a prolific poet, yet his literary aspirations were often met with discouragement from his headmaster and John, who envisioned Edgar following in his footsteps in the tobacco business. Instead, Poe prioritized his passion for poetry, reportedly composing verses on the back of Allan’s business correspondence. Financial constraints further strained his relationship with John, as Poe lacked sufficient funding to support his education at the University of Virginia, where he enrolled in 1826. Although he excelled academically, he was compelled to resort to gambling to cover his expenses, ultimately accumulating significant debt.

Returning home after his time at university, Poe faced another heartbreak: his neighbor and fiancée, Sarah Elmira Royster, had become engaged to another man. Overwhelmed by despair and frustration, he made the decision to relocate to Boston.

Army and West Point

In 1827, shortly after publishing his first book, Edgar Allan Poe enlisted in the United States Army. Just two years later, he received the devastating news that his mother, Frances, was dying from tuberculosis. Unfortunately, by the time he returned to Richmond, she had passed away. During his time in Virginia, Poe and his estranged father, John Allan, briefly reconciled. John Allan assisted Poe in obtaining an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Although Poe excelled academically at the Academy, he was expelled after one year due to his inability to manage his military duties effectively.

While at West Point, Poe had a tumultuous relationship with his father, who had remarried without informing him. This strain led to speculation that Poe might have intentionally sought expulsion as an act of defiance against his father, who ultimately severed ties with him.

Writing Career as a Critic and Poet

After leaving West Point, Poe published his third book and dedicated himself to writing full-time. He moved frequently in search of better opportunities, residing in major cities such as New York City, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Richmond. The death of John Allan in 1834 proved to be another blow for Poe, as he was excluded from Allan’s will while an illegitimate child, whom Allan had never acknowledged, was provided for.

Despite ongoing financial struggles, Poe experienced a turning point when one of his short stories won a contest in the Baltimore Saturday Visiter. This victory led to increased publication opportunities, and in 1835, he secured an editorial position with the Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond. Poe quickly gained a reputation as a fierce critic, known for his biting reviews of contemporary writers, which earned him the nickname “the Tomahawk Man.”

However, his time at the Messenger was short-lived. Poe’s aggressive critique style and combative demeanor strained his relationships within the publication, leading to his departure in 1837. His difficulties with alcohol were also cited as contributing factors to his exit. He subsequently held brief positions at several other publications, including Burton’s Gentleman’s Magazine, Graham’s Magazine, and The Broadway Journal, while also contributing to Alexander’s Weekly Messenger and other journals.

In 1844, Poe relocated to New York City, where he published a sensational news story in The New York Sun about a fictional balloon journey across the Atlantic. Although this hoax garnered significant attention, it was the publication of “The Raven” in 1845 that catapulted him to literary fame.

That same year, Poe faced backlash for his harsh criticisms of fellow poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, whom he accused of plagiarism. Despite his growing popularity, Poe continued to struggle financially and advocated for higher compensation for writers, as well as the establishment of international copyright laws.

Poems: “The Raven” and “Annabel Lee”

Poe self-published his first collection, Tamerlane and Other Poems, in 1827, followed by his second collection, Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Minor Poems, in 1829. As a critic at the Southern Literary Messenger from 1835 to 1837, he published some of his own works, including two parts of his only novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym. His poetic contributions included notable works such as “Ulalume” and “The Bells.”

“The Raven,” published in 1845 in the New York Evening Mirror, is widely regarded as one of the most significant poems in American literature and one of Poe’s most celebrated works. The poem features an unnamed narrator who mourns the loss of his beloved Lenore, only to be visited by a raven that repeatedly utters the word “Nevermore.” Through its 18 six-line stanzas, the poem encapsulates recurring themes of death and loss.

“Annabel Lee,” another poignant lyric poem, explores similar themes of death and loss, potentially serving as a tribute to his wife, Virginia, who had passed away two years prior to its publication on October 9, 1849—just two days after Poe’s own death.

Short Stories

In the late 1830s, Poe released Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque, a collection of short stories that featured some of his most chilling narratives, including “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “Ligeia,” and “William Wilson.”

In 1841, he pioneered the genre of detective fiction with “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” earning the title “Father of the Detective Story.” As his literary reputation grew, he won a prestigious literary prize in 1843 for “The Gold Bug,” a suspenseful tale featuring secret codes and treasure hunting.

“The Black Cat,” published in 1843 in The Saturday Evening Post, tells the harrowing story of a man whose descent into alcoholism leads him to abuse his wife and beloved cat. The tale culminates in madness and murder, with the cat ultimately revealing the narrator’s crime to the authorities. This story was later included in Poe’s 1845 short story collection, Tales by Edgar Allan Poe. Throughout his career, Poe also produced several essays reflecting on his writing process, including “The Philosophy of Composition,” “The Poetic Principle,” and “The Rationale of Verse,” alongside notable works like “The Cask of Amontillado.”

Marriage

From 1831 to 1835, Edgar Allan Poe resided in Baltimore, the birthplace of his father, alongside his aunt, Maria Clemm, and her daughter, Virginia. During this period, Poe developed a deep affection for Virginia, who not only became his literary muse but also his romantic interest. The couple married in 1836 when Virginia was just 13 years old, while Poe was 27.

Tragically, Virginia succumbed to tuberculosis in 1847 at the age of 24, a loss that paralleled the earlier deaths of Poe’s mother and brother, who had also died at that age. Overwhelmed by grief, Poe continued his literary pursuits but faced deteriorating health and persistent financial struggles until his own death in 1849.

Death

Poe passed away on October 7, 1849, in Baltimore at the age of 40. The circumstances surrounding his final days remain shrouded in mystery. He had departed Richmond ten days prior on September 27, reportedly en route to Philadelphia. On October 3, he was discovered in a state of considerable distress in Baltimore and was subsequently admitted to Washington College Hospital, where he died four days later. His last words reportedly were, “Lord, help my poor soul.”

Initially, his death was attributed to “congestion of the brain,” but the true cause has been the subject of much speculation. Theories surrounding his demise include alcoholism, rabies, epilepsy, and carbon monoxide poisoning, reflecting the ongoing intrigue surrounding his life and untimely death.

Legacy and Museum

In the aftermath of his passing, Poe’s literary reputation suffered significantly due to the actions of his adversary, Rufus Griswold. In an obituary that was tinged with vindictiveness, Griswold depicted Poe as a mentally unstable alcoholic and womanizer, thereby solidifying damaging misconceptions about the writer. Griswold also authored the first biography of Poe, which contributed to the negative portrayal that persisted in the public consciousness.

Despite his lack of financial success during his lifetime, Edgar Allan Poe has emerged as one of America’s most influential writers. His works, characterized by their innovative and imaginative qualities, continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. Poe’s exploration of the dark and macabre has inspired a host of notable writers, including Charles Baudelaire, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and Stéphane Mallarmé.

Today, the Baltimore home where Poe lived with Maria Clemm and Virginia from 1831 to 1835 has been transformed into a museum. The Edgar Allan Poe House offers visitors a self-guided tour that features exhibits on Poe’s foster family, his life and death in Baltimore, as well as the literary works he produced during his residence there. The museum also showcases memorabilia, including Poe’s chair and desk, providing a glimpse into the life of this iconic literary figure.