Edgar Allan Poe

Family of Edgar Poe

• Poe born in Boston Jan. 19, 1809

• Mom: Elizabeth (“Eliza”) Dad: David

• Parents were traveling actors

• Brother William Henry (2yrs older); younger sister, Rosalie

Family, contd.

• David Poe abandoned his family

• 1812: Elizabeth died of Tuberculosis (TB), NOT in a fire

• Shortly after, David Poe dies

• Edgar, William Henry, and Rosalie are orphans

The Allans

• Edgar taken in by John and Francis Allan in Virginia

• Francis: wonderful, caring woman

• John: wealthy Scottish merchant; terrible to Edgar; refuses to formally adopt him

The Allans

• The Allans moved to England for 5 years (Edgar is age 6-11), then returned to Virginia

• Edgar was a very good athlete and excellent student

• Childhood crush: Jane Stanard (mom of bf) who dies of brain cancer

• Fell in love with Sarah Elmira Royster; became engaged before attending college @ the University of Virginia

U. Of V.A.

• Tuition for the university was $350. John sent Edgar with only $110.

• Had to burn table and chairs for heat

• Ran up $2000 gambling debt

• Kicked out of school

• John ended Edgar’s engagement to Sarah

West Point

• Edgar ran away; entered West Point to become a cadet

• Hated the army; John wouldn’t sign him out

• Edgar gets himself thrown out by refusing orders, drinking, and not going to church

Francis’ Death

• During his attempt to leave West Point, Francis Allan died of TB

• John didn’t tell Edgar until it was too late

• Found out John had several affairs; several illegitimate children

• Not long after Francis’ death, William Henry dies of TB complicated by alcoholism

The Clemms

• Poe travels to Baltimore, MD, to live with his dad’s sister, Maria Clemm, and her 8-year-old, Virginia

• Four years later, 27-year-old Poe and 12-year-old Virginia marry in May 1836

• Poe works as an editor in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston

• 1842: Virginia contracts TB

• So poor he couldn’t heat the house

• Begins to drink heavily

• “The Raven” earns $12

• Virginia dies on Jan. 30, 1847

Downward Spiral

• Poe falls apart; becomes alcoholic and drug user (Opium)

• One year later, begins affair with the married Sarah Helen Whitman

• She refuses to marry him b/c he’s a drunk and she’s already married

• Returns to Virginia for work

• Reunites with Sarah Elmira Royster; they become engaged (Graveyard Proposal)

• Poe’s health begins to fail

• Works as a lecturer; was widely received

• In 1849, Poe returns to Baltimore, MD, to pick up aunt Maria for the wedding

• He is found unconscious in a gutter

Poe’s Death

• Taken to hospital, where he’s unconscious for 3 days before he dies at age 40

• Cause of death still unknown-3 Theories:

a. alcohol

b. Drugs

c. Election Day Kidnapping

The Poe Toaster

• Man in black arrives @ Poe’s grave for the past 60 years

• Leaves bottle of wine and three roses

• Identity never ascertained

• “The torch will be passed.”

• Poe Toaster Article 2010