There have been many famous poets throughout history, but no other has had quite the influence as Edgar Allan Poe. His legendary poems and interesting style of writing have captured the imaginations of millions. Edgar Allan Poe was born in 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts, and moved to Richmond, Virginia later on when his parents died and he was adopted by another family. He served in the military for a brief period, and then went on to the University of Virginia. His first published work was entitled Tamerlane and Other Poems. He did work for several different literary journals and periodicals. He married his 13-year old cousin, who died ten years later from tuberculosis. In 1845, Poe published his poem The Raven, which was instantly successful.
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Poe's poetry was often referred to as the gothic style. It was very dark, and often involved tales of murder and woe. He also wrote satire and humorous tales, as well as some science fiction. The works he wrote have become legendary. Some of his most famous poems include Annabel Lee, Lenore, and The Raven. Some of his most famous short stories other works include The Fall of the House of Usher, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Pit and the Pendulum. Poe also wrote one play entitled Politian in 1835. The play was about a mysterious murder, but did not receive good reviews. Edgar Allan Poe also wrote several essays and one complete novel. Many believed he was a mad genius with incredible talent who was tormented inside, and translated that dark torment onto paper.
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Annabel Lee
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There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding Poe's death. Some claim it was suicide, while others say it was cholera or heart disease. It has been said that he had a drinking problem, and so many theorized that his death was due to liver problems, or delirium tremens, a condition that alcoholics suffer from. There is no actual, known cause of Edgar Allan Poe's death, so it has become a national mystery to his fans. He died on October 7th, 1849, a few days after he was found in the street delirious and was taken to a local hospital. Poe was wearing clothes that were not his, and never really became coherent enough for anyone to know what really happened to him. His death only added to the legend that is Edgar Allan Poe. This famous American author has been such an important influence on many gothic, horror, and satirical writers. The symbol of a raven has a whole new meaning because of him, and his poetry and stories live on in our imaginations, even today.
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