When people hear the name Edgar Allan Poe they associate the writer with writing only literature of the supernatural. However, his contribution to American literature far exceeds the dark and macabre. Poe also wrote romantic poetry, black comedy, science fiction, broad farce, and is considered by many to be the father of the detective story. He produced some of the most influential literary criticism of his time, important theoretical statements on poetry, and has had a worldwide influence on literature. The literary merits of Poe's writings have been debated since his death, but his works have remained popular and many major American and European writers have professed their artistic debt to him. Many of Poe's writings are distinguished by the author's unique grotesque inventiveness in addition are remarkable for their flawless literary construction and for their haunting themes and meters. The poem on this site, "The Haunted Palace" (1839), is an example of the Poe's haunting themes and meters. Poe's extraordinary manipulation of rhythm and sound is particularly evident in the poem, "The Haunted Palace", it is a poem that seems to echo with the haunted spirits of the palace. Furtermore, this poem reflects the idea most people have about his writings, it is creepy, dark and gives the reader the feeling that these spirits may haunt their homes as well.
Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Mass., on January 19,1809. He was the son of poverty stricken actors, David and Elizabeth Poe. Edgar was the second of their three children. When Edgar was a year old his father either died or deserted the family. Although, she was in failing health Elizabeth Poe continued to act in an attempt to support her family. Sadly, Mrs. Poe died when Edgar was two years old and Edgar was sent by himself to live with John and Fanny Allan, a wealthy merchant family from Richmond. Edgar's early life with the Allan's was happy and comfortable. When Edgar was six years old he sailed with the Allans to England. The family settled down in London and Edgar was sent to a prestigious boarding school. In 1820 the family returned to America and lived in Richmond, VA, where Edgar was sent to a school that only the sons of the wealthiest families in Richmond went to. At school Edgar was well liked, and excelled in swimming, languages and amateur theatricals.
When Edgar was fourteen he began an affair with Jane Smith Standard, the mother of one of his school mates. This was Edgar's first experience with love and it was an exciting and passionate affair. However, Mrs. Standard soon went mad and died. The tragedy was undoubtedly taken to heart by Poe. Furthermore, her death came as a great shock to him and he carried her memory with him for years. Poe wrote his first published poem "To Helen", in memory of Mrs. Standard.
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Poe's relationship with his father John Allan was beginning to deteriorate, when Edgar learned of his fathers extra-marital affairs. Edgar became resentful and angry toward his father. Although things at home were unpleasant, Edgar's father made sure he got the best education. When Edgar was seventeen his father came into a large inheritance and sent Edgar to the University of Virginia. At the University of Virginia Edgar made excellent grades, but he fell into a crowd of fast set youths and here is where Edgar began to drink and gamble heavily. Furthermore, Edgar carelessly bought and gambled on credit and ran up a huge debt. Mr. Allan refused to pay off Edgar's debts and Edgar had to leave the University of Virginia after only one year. This caused a violent quarrel between John and Edgar.
Edgar left the house and made his way to Boston. While in Boston Edgar attempted unsuccessfully at writing for a newspaper. Now totally without means and too proud or unable to appeal back home in Richmond, he finally as a desperate measure enlisted in the United States Army on May 26,1827.
Edgar then traveled between New York and Philadelphia while unsuccessfully trying to make a name for himself in literary journalism. During this time he wrote "Ligeia"(1838) and "The Fall of the House of Usher"(1839). In 1841 he wrote "The Murders in the Rue Morgue", a detective story that exemplifies his use of rhythmic and flowing language in his work. He then wrote "The Raven" in 1845 and "The Bells" in 1849. Although, Poe continued to write remarkable work, he never received much fame or money for it. He continued to live a destitute and miserable life. In 1844 his wife, Virginia, was dying of tuberculosis and had frequent hemorrhages. Edgar himself began to resort to drinking more than before. Furthermore, there was evidence that Edgar used opium during this time as well. He continued to work for various papers, but he never seemed to be able to hold a job. His wife's health continued to sink rapidly and finally, she died in December of 1846.
After Virginia's death Edgar threw himself into his work. He also became involved in numerous affairs with wealthy, married women around Richmond. On September 23, 1849 he boarded a steamer and headed to Baltimore. His reasons for leaving Richmond are unknown. Exactly what happened to him in Baltimore are not certain. While he was there an election was in progress. Evidence points to the fact that he began to drink heavily and fell into the hands of a gang of rough housing men, these men then lead him into more taverns. On October third he was found by an old friend, Dr. James E. Snodgrass, in horrible condition at a low tavern on Lombard Street. Dr. Snodgrass took the unconscious and dying poet to Washington Hospital. Seven days of delirium ensued with only a few intervals of partial consciousness. Finally on Sunday morning, October 7,1849 Edgar Allan Poe died.
After serving in the army for two years Edgar decided to apply at West Point military academy. Before he went to West Point Edgar published another book, "Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and minor poems". Although, in this book Edgar used his name Edgar A. Poe. While in West Point Edgar published a third edition of the book entitled, 'Poems by Edgar A. Poe". This book contained one of his most famous poems, "To Helen". Once he graduated from West Point, he went to Baltimore to live with his aunt and first cousin Virginia. Here in Baltimore he got his first taste of success, when he won a $50 prize in the Baltimore Saturday Visitor for his story, "M.S. Found in a Bottle". Poe then moved back to Richmond to work for his friend Thomas Willis White at the Southern Litterary Messenger. His aunt and cousin Virginia followed him to Richmond and lived with him there. Also, while in Richmond Edgar married his cousin Virginia, she was only thirteen at the time. Although, Edgar did excellent work at the Southern Litterary Messenger and subscriptions to the magazine increased when Edgar began writing for them, White was forced to let Edgar go from the magazine. Edgar's drinking problem was getting out of hand and his behavior became erratic.
