Edgar Allan Poe Research Paper

Whenever a story of mystery or deceit is spoken, the name Edgar Allan Poe is always heard nearby. Edgar Allan Poe, one of the great American writers known for his works such as the Raven and The Fall of the House of Usher, did not only have a unique writing style, but also a unique life full of mystery and despair. He was the founder of the mystery story, but his life contained as many mysteries as he wrote. Poe’s life was full of anguish with most of the things he cared for being lost. He eventually became the shrouded figure who wrote the stories that still give us chills today.

Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809 to David and Elizabeth Poe in Boston Massachusetts. His parents were traveling actors who played in theaters throughout

“When international trade opportunities arose, John Allan took the family to England, Edgar included”(McArthur 21). While in England, Edgar attended boarding schools, he learned Latin and French which he excelled in. While in England, he also took history, religion, geography and dancing. The family returned to Richmond part way through the year in 1820, and there Poe attended private schools where he “Was a very good student, excelling in Latin and public speaking”(McArthur 21). He participated in many athletic activities during this time including running, swimming, and boxing. John Allan and Edgar did not get along well moving toward Poe’s teenage years. John Allan begrudgingly paid for Edgar’s school after financial troubles with Allan’s business, and “In a letter to Edgar’s brother Henry, Allan described Edgar as being, “sulky and ill-tempered””(McArthur 22). Five years after the family returned to Richmond, John Allan’s uncle died, leaving him money and land. “Allan purchased a large house in Richmond, and arranged for Edgar to change schools in order to begin a more intensive course of study to prepare him to attend the newly-opened University of Virginia,” and “In February 1826, Edgar left Richmond to attend the University of Virginia in Charlottesville” (McArthur 22). While at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Edgar studied two subjects in particular; Modern

Perry. He gave his age as twenty-two, although he was only eighteen”(McArthur 24). Poe, under the name Edgar Perry, was stationed at Fort Independence in Boston Harbor. He was a Private in the First Artillery unit at Fort Independence. Poe had always enjoyed writing, shown by his interest in other languages, and in 1827 he wrote his first book, albeit small book, of poems entitled Tamerlane and Other Poems. The book was printed by Calvin F. Thomas. The author of the book was only written as “A Bostonian.” The book did not receive any critical acclaim and drew in little attention. “[Poe’s] unit was transferred to Charleston, South Carolina, where he served as company clerk and assistant in his company’s supply department”(McArthur 24). After over a year and a half of being in the army, Edgar Perry was promoted the rank of Sergeant-Major, after which point Poe disclosed his true identity to his superiors. During this time period, serviceman in the army could leave as long as they had someone to take their place. Poe’s commanding officers recommended that he do this in order to join West Point Academy as a cadet. If Poe became a cadet at West Point it could help him to further his army career and obtain more prestige. Poe was given leave from his post around this time because Mrs. Allan had became ill. “[Poe] arrived in Richmond the day after the funeral.Shortly after, Poe returned to his unit, Allan wrote to