Edgar Allan Poe

Early Life• Parents die young – adopted by the Allans• Live in England with the Allans when

young• Childhood sweetheart: Sarah Elmira

Royster• University of Virginia for college– Gambling– Tension with his adopted father over

gambling debts– Sarah becomes engaged to another (her

father won’t allow marriage to Poe)

Sarah Elmira Royster

Young Adult Life• Enrolls in the army to pay off gambling

debts• Adopted mother dies – Poe reconciles

with adopted father for a time• Enlists in West Point, but is dismissed

within a year• Moves to live with his aunt, where he

later marries his 13 year old cousin Virginia (he is 26)

Virginia Clemm

Adult Life• Becomes editor of literary magazine: is

a respected critic and a brilliant editor• But often finds himself at odds with his

fellow workers• Continues to write: produces some of

his best work while living under fear of Virginia’s tuberculosis – Raven– Cask of Amontillado

Sadness• Virginia dies 2 years after marriage• Turns to drink/ erratic behavior• Finds his childhood sweetheart: engaged

to her• Dies in mysterious circumstances: some

say he was murdered, some say he was simply mad, some say it was alcoholism: he was found semi-conscious in the street and never recovered.

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