FREE ESSAY ON EDGER ALLEN POE

EDGER ALLEN POE

Edgar Allan Poe could probably be named one of literature's most controversial writers of
all time. Over the years, Poe's works have endured much criticism as well as praise. Many
professionals who have researched Poe's life and his writings feel that many of his
writings strongly show reflections on Poe's real life. Poe was born in Boston,
Massachusetts on January 19, 1809. Edger Allen Poe was the son of Elizabeth and David
Poe. David attempted to make a living by performing on stage, but he seemed to have no
talent in this area. Elizabeth died being poverty stricken in 1811.After his mothers
death, Poe was separated from his brother and his sister because his father was unable to
care for them. A Scottish tobacco merchant and importer named John Allan decided to take
Poe in and Poe remained with the Allan's until December of 1826, where he began his
studies at the University of Virginia. As a writer, Poe became very well known for his
interests in death, dying, pre- mature burials, revenge, guilt and fear.
Many thought that Poe's interests in such dark subjects were because of early traumatic
experiences (Kennedy 5). Poe felt that death had held contradictory meanings, and it's
tangible climax changed through the course of his engagement in writing (Kennedy). Many
modern critics of Poe fail to realize that although Poe's tales took an unusual
perspective, at the time, death was looked at as being an elaborate celebration, it
wasn't more acceptable, but it was more of a subject of quiet fascination (Kennedy 17).
While Poe was primarily known to be a lonely dark man, he had a burning desire to be
loved. Some believed him to be a poet of love. Poe had a serious problem with alcohol and
it strongly affected him later life. In a few of Poe's writings he expresses his
character's feeling guilty for actions that took place while they were sober, but as soon
as intoxication occurs again, the remorse fades away. 
In 1832, Poe moved to Baltimore, where he lived with his aunt and her 11 year-old
daughter Elizabeth. In 1836, Poe married his fourteen-year-old cousin, Elizabeth E.
Clemm. This would fill the gap in Poe's heart for love. Poe deeply loved Elizabeth, even
though by the time he married her he had already reached 27 years of age. During the
winter of 1846, Elizabeth became seriously ill, and Poe would have to face a morning that
would haunt him for the rest of his life, Elizabeth was going to die. At the same time,
Poe himself grew ill and was unable to care for his wife. At this period of time, Poe had
lost much money and he greatly required a caretaker for his wife and himself. 
There are few specific references to Poe's immediate family in his sonnet to To My
Mother, where he describes his own mother, his devotion to her, as well as his devotion
to his own wife (Campbell 126). Although Poe's life wasn't perfect, his writings are
still admired all over the world. Poe died over 100 years ago and his literature is still
evaluated and discussed, and observed.