Edgar Allan Poe Influences

Edgar Allen Poe’s childhood and life had a huge impact on his writing. Poe had a dark and depressing life, which seems to be represented in his equally dark poems and short stories. From his childhood until his untimely death, he led a life of disappointments. Many of his works contain a dark aspect, which I believe is in part due to his depressing life. Edgar Allen Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. His father left his family when he was very young, and he was only three when his mother passed away. He was separated from his siblings, and lived with the Allan family in Richmond, Virginia. He went to the University of Virginia for college, but his new “parents” did not provide enough money to pay for college. He turned to gambling in an attempt to pay off his tuition, but he only ended in more debt. When he returned home, his fiancée had become engaged to someone else, which led him to leave the Allans. Around this time, he began writing poem collections. At the same time, he was accepted and attended West Point, but was kicked out.

He moved around in search of work. When he was in Baltimore he married his 13-year-old cousin, Virginia. He worked at several magazines and journals where he became know as a short story writer, a poet, and critic. His wife Virginia died of Tuberculosis and Poe’s problems worsened. He was devastated by his loss and his alcoholism and depression became an even bigger issue. On September 27, 1849, Poe left Richmond to travel to Philadelphia. He was found in a state of semi-consciousness on October 3 in Baltimore. He died four days later in the hospital on October 7. His exact cause of death is still unknown, and his last words were “Lord, help my poor soul.”