Edgar Allan Poe Accomplishments

Brilliant and passionate, Edgar Allan Poe was a man ahead of his time. Despite the hardships and tragedies of his life, he has persevered his writing career into something many in the 19th century had never seen before. He was an author, poet, editor, and strong literary critic who was known for his tales of crime, horror, and mystery. His best works include: The Pit and The Pendulum, The Fall of The House of Usher, Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Raven. He was the first known American writer to try to earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life and career.

Born in the city of Boston on the 19th of January, 1809, Poe was the second child of two actors. David Poe Jr., Edgar’s father,

Allan sent Poe off to the University of Virginia with just enough money to attend the University. With no money for food and clothes, Poe eventually found himself in a frantic financial state. Desperate to survive, Poe gambled for money, but ended up finding himself $2,000 in debt. He pleaded for help from his wealthy foster father, who refused to cover the debt. Deserted, Poe expressed his feelings to John in a letter sent to him in 1828 that marked the end of any relationship between the two, “If you determined to abandon me here I take my farewell, neglected I will be doubly ambitious and the world shall hear of the son who you have thought unworthy of your notice.” After attending the University for one semester, Poe ran away and joined the military under the assumed name Edgar A. Perry to avoid getting jailed over the debts that John wouldn’t cover. Now, Poe was on his

Supporting himself as a write has been all but impossible, since there were no copyright laws to speak of, making a living off of writing incredibly difficult. Determined to pursue his literary ideals, Poe spent the rest of his days battling poverty and often losing. He temporarily gained the position of an editor to earn money. When Maria Clemm wrote plans of Virginia, Poe’s first cousin, to live with another relative, Poe crashed into depression and almost lost his job. Poe wrote a hysterical letter to Marie, pleading for her to let Virginia stay, as Poe was in love with her, “I am blinded with tears while writing this letter...you know I love Virginia passionately...aunty you loved me once--how can you be so cruel now?...Do you think any one could love her more dearly than I?” Poe wish was granted and he married Virginia when he was 26; her, 12. Despite the age difference, they were a devoted and loving couple. But, as always, things didn’t always go well for