Many authors have made great contributions to the world of
literature. Mark Twain introduced Americans to life on the
Mississippi. Thomas Hardy wrote on his pessimistic views of the
Victorian Age. Another author that influenced literature is Edgar
Allan Poe. Poe is known as the father of the American short story and
father of the detective story. To understand the literary
contributions of Edgar Allan Poe, one must look at his early life, his
literary life, and a summary of two of his famous works.
"Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston'' (Inglis 505) "on
January 19, 1809'' (Asselineau 409). He was born to a southern family
that were in a traveling company of actors (Inglis 505). His father,
David Poe, was from a Baltimore family. He was an actor by profession
and a heavy drinker. Soon after Edgar Allan Poe was born, he left his
family. Poe's mother, Elizabeth Arnold Poe, was a widow at the age of
Illustration by Aubrey Beardsley, 1894–1895
Edgar Allan Poe Museum (Richmond, Virginia)
Edgar Allan Poe's house in the Bronx. Photo taken ...eighteen. Two years after his birth, she died of tuberculosis
(Asselineau 409). When his mother died, Poe was adopted by John Allan
(Perry XI) at the urging of Mr. Allan's wife. In 1815, John Allan
moved his family to England. While there, Poe was sent to private
schools (Asselineau 410).
In the spring of 1826, Poe entered the University of
Virginia. There he studied Spanish, French, Italian, and Latin. He
had an excellent scholastic record. He got into difficulties almost
at once. Mr. Allan did not provide him with the money to pay for his
fees and other necessities. Poe was confused and homesick. He
learned to play cards and started drinking. Soon he was in debt in
excess of two thousand dollars. Poe discovered that he could not
depend upon Allan for financial support. His foster father...