Edgar Allan Poe is probably one of the most recognizable names in American literature. He was a poet, short story writer, editor and critic. He gained immense popularity and acclaimed for his works in poems and short fiction. He is credited for making a short story from an anecdote to a work of art. His works give him a lot of distinction, making him a household name today.
He practically invented the detective story and perfected the craft of writing psychological thrillers. His literary criticisms which usually revolve on theoretical statements on poetry and short story are considered the most influential during his time. His influence on worldwide literature is also apparent (Regan, 1967).
His Life and Works
Edgar Allan Poe was born to David Poe Jr. and Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins in Boston on January 19, 1809. Unfortunately, Poe's parents died before he turned 3 years old. John Allan a prosperous merchant in Richmond, Va., took him in his home and had him baptized as Edgar Allan Poe. He studied in England from 1815-20. He enrolled in the University of Virginia 1n 1826. He only stayed for a year though.
Poe incurred gambling debts. As a result, Allan prevented him to return to the university and broke his engagement to his girlfriend in Richmond, Sarah Elmira Royster. With no financial support, Poe joined the army. By this time he had already self-published his first book, Tammerlane and Other Poems (1827).
Allan and Poe reconciled. Poe knowingly disobeyed commands so he would be dismissed from West Point. His fellow cadets contributed money so he could print his third book Poems by Edgar A. Poe ... Second Edition (1831). His first two were Tamerlane and Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Minor Poems (1829).
Poe moved to Baltimore with his widowed aunt Maria Clemm, and her daughter, Virginia. In 1832, the Philadelphia Saturday Courier published five of his stories. In 1833, Baltimore Saturday Visitor gave him $50 prize for MS. Found in a Bottle. In 1835, Poe, his aunt, and Virginia moved to Richmond. He became editor of the Southern Literary Messenger.
He married Virginia, who was barely 14 years old. At this time, Poe published another fiction, including his most horrifying tale, Berenice in the Messenger. He contributed critical reviews on contemporary authors which increased the magazine’s circulation. This, however, caught the ire of the publisher who also dislike Poe’s habitual drinking. Poe considered Ligeia (1838), as his finest. The Fall Of The House Of Usher (1839), became one of his most famous stories.
The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841) is sometimes referred as the first detective story. Then came his exemplary verses The Raven (1845) and The Bells (1849). Virginia died in January 1847. This broke Poe’s spirit but he continued his writing and conducting lectures. In 1849 he revisited Richmond, lectured, and became engaged to the fiancée he had lost in 1826 (Regan, 1967).
Poe's Contributions
Due to Edgar Allan Poe’s distinct style of writing and the timeless truths found in his pieces, his works lasted through centuries. If his works were interesting, his real life actually inspires more controversy. Poe led a full but short existence. Despite passing away at an early age of 40, he has achieved far more than those who lived longer than him.
His contribution to the transformation of short stories to an art, his flawless psychological thrillers and his memorable poems are forever etched in the memory of people the world over. He is famed for his tales about death as well as a recognized early practitioner of the short story and he is attributed to have started Gothic and Detective fiction (Crime fiction) in the United States. Poe is an undisputable force in literary journalism. His works are a source of inspiration to this day. And his legacy will most likely endure.
Source:
Regan, Robert, ed. Poe; a Collection of Critical Essays . Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1967.
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