English III
April 15, 2011
Edgar Allan Poe: The Relationship Between Life and Literature
"But as in ethics, evil is a consequence of good, so in fact, out of joy is sorrow born.
Either the memory of past bliss is the anguish of today, or the agonies which are have
their origin in the ecstasies which might have been." -Edgar Allan Poe "Eleonora"
Known for his dark writings, Edgar Allan Poe has written many well known poems throughout his time. He lead an unusual, yet unfortunate life; Which may explain his twisted literature. The events happening throughout his life have subsequently lead to the inspiration of his gloomy tales. From the time he was born to the time he died (1809-1849) his life has been a tragic turmoil of death, betrayal, begrudges, and guilts. No doubt do these state of occurrences explain his remorseful works.
In 1811 at one year old, Poe's mother dies and he is adopted by a wealthy tobacco monopoly in Richmond, Virginia.
Illustration for Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of ...
Illustration by Aubrey Beardsley, 1894–1895
1848 Daguerreotype of Edgar Allan Poe at 39, a yea...Even though he has no recollection of this event, it doesn't put his start his life on the right foot. The couple who took him in was Mr. and Mrs. John Allan. They raised him as their own and sent him to all the right schools. Although he is an aspiring poet, and his adopted father disapproves. He is secretly engaged to a girl named Elmira Royster by the time he has finished his primary schooling in 1825 at 16 years old. They plan to marry so he attends University of Virginia to make something of himself. But when he returns from schooling to find her engaged to another man, his life is turned upside down.
He writes "Tamerlane" in 1827. A story of a young man who ignores his young love...