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Mr. Strother
11/20/2010
Edgar Allen Poe, January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849, was an American writer,
poet, considered part of the American Romantic Movement. Best recognized for his tales
of mystery and the horror, like “The Raven” and “Mask of the Red Death”, Poe was one
of the earliest American practitioners of the short story and is considered the inventor of
the detective-fiction genre. He is further credited with contributing to the emerging genre
of science fiction. He was the initial American writer to try to earn a living through
writing alone, ensuing in a financially difficult life, career, and eventually death. Only
Virginia, in 1835 did Poe's literary talents start to flourish. It was at this time in his life
that Poe fell in love with his 13-year-old cousin Virginia. Their marriage forced him to
find a source of income. When the editor of the Messenger offered employment, Poe
eagerly accepted. During this time Poe began to publish such trademark horror tales as
"The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The Pit and The Pendulum.” In the early months of 1847,
Poe’s young wife died of consumption. Poe’s life took a dark, depressing turn and
evidently so did his writing. After her death, he mourned for her by saying “Deep in earth
my love is lying and I must weep alone." On October 3, 1849, Poe was found on the
streets of Baltimore delirious, "in great distress, and... in need of immediate assistance.”
He was taken to the Washington College Hospital, where he died on Sunday, October 7,
1849, at 5:00 in the morning. All medical records, including his death certificate, have
been lost. The actual cause of death remains a mystery; from as early as 1872, alcoholism
of my piece
Guide. http://web.csustan.edu/english/reuben/pal/chap3/poe.html
Accessed11/22/10.
of my piece.
3. Edgar Allan Poe, "Poetry by Edgar A. Poe," Edgar Allan Poe Society of
11/22/10.
of my piece.
Question: What devastating circumstance caused the horror and disturbing plots
Answer: The death of his 13 year old wife that was also his cousin.