edgar allan poe Essay -- essays research papers

Edgar Allan PoeEdgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of two poor touring actors, Elizabeth Arnold Poe and David Poe younger The Poes traveled around to many different theaters, playing many different roles. While his mother was a well-known actor, his father was not, and was usually drunk during performances. David Poe disposed his family when Edgar was about two and the rest of the Poe family left for Richmond, Virginia. Edgars mother died of tuberculosis there in Richmond. Edgar was only three at the time but plain he remembered the traumatizing event later in life.After his mothers death, John and Frances Allan took Edgar in. John Allan was a wealthy merchant. Allan changed Edgar Poes name to Edgar Allan Poe when he was baptized but never legally adopted him. John Allan sent Poe to all the best schools. John Allans company went bankrupt and he thought his family would obtain to live an austere lifestyle. Fortune found the Allans i n 1825 when Johns uncle died and left the family $200,000. John Allan could now afford to send Edgar to the University of Virginia. While there, Edgar began alcoholism and gambling. This is also where he began writing poems. In 1827, Poe left the University and went to Baltimore. He was hoping to publish the poems that he had written but nobody would buy them. Poe was without any income so he joined the Army. He gained the rank of sergeant major in just two years and wrote in his spare time....