Edgar Allen Poe Edgar Allen Poe is known as one of the biggest literary figures in American history. He had a rather unusual childhood, and this would later factor into his fashion of writing later on in his life. He is best known for more somber themed poems and stories, and this is primarily influenced by his childhood. He had a slow rise to fame, but he was very dedicated. Edgar Allen Poe is also known for mysteries, but he is also a mystery in how his raising influenced his writing, how he rose to fame, and how he died. Edgar Allen Poe was born on January 19, 1809, in Boston Massachusetts to David and Elizabeth Poe. According to Robert Giordano, “ Elizabeth Poe died in 1811, when Edgar was two years old. She had separated from her husband and had taken her three kids with her. … while Edgar was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. John Allan….” (Giordano). Thus, the three factors that influenced Poe’s somber writings were the fact that his father was not in his life, his mother died when he was two, and he was separated from his siblings at a very young age. He had a very challenging childhood because it is not …show more content…
He attended college at Virginia University. Later, he served in the army, but could not decide whether to write or to serve. According to Biography.com editors, “ Before going to West Point, he published a second collection Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Minor Poems in 1829.” (Biography.com editors). Poe could not decide between two of his loves; however, he was kicked out of West Point, and this set his sights on writing full time. Poe traveled abroad to find opportunities for a young writer, and in 1831 he moved in with his aunt and later married his cousin Virginia, who was thirteen at the time. Poe continued to work hard at his dream, and worked as a critic for a magazine. Finally, Poe got his big break in 1845 with the publication of “The