what makes poe unquie?

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2001

Answers

Poe is unique because he was an extraordinary American writer who is well known around the world. He wrote beautiful poetry---most of it on the theme of the death of a beautiful woman as told by the man who mourns her---which was inspired by the love and death of his mother and his wife Virginia. He also wrote tales of the grotesque and arabesque, which is appealing to me. Most of the narrators in these tales were tortured souls---such as the narrator in "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Black Cat." He also wrote the first mystery stories--- tales of ratiocination--such as the "Murder in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter." In addition, he wrote criticism--"The Philosophy of Composition." He successfully used four genres of writing.

He was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1809, Poe was known for his poetry, criticism, and short stories. Poe lived a tragic life. He was born into a family who constantly fought. His father, David Poe abandoned him and his siblings when Poe was only 3 years old. Soon after, his mother, Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins died leaving Poe as a foster child. John Allan, a businessman, adopted and raised him. Poe and his foster father moved to England where he was placed in a private school at age 6. At age 11, Poe and his foster father moved back to the United States where he continued his education in private schools. In 1827, after attending the University of Virginia, Poe became heavily involved in drinking and gaming. His father, irritated and annoyed, forced him to work as a clerk. Feeling betrayed, Poe quit his job, separated from his foster father Allan and moved to Boston where he wrote and published his first book. After serving a two-year term in the Army, Poe's second volume of verse was published. In 1832, Poe moved to Baltimore where he lived with his aunt and her daughter Virginia. Four years later, Poe married his 15 years old cousin Virginia and worked as an editor in Philadelphia and New York City. Poe's wife Virginia died at age 26 of a long illness. Soon after, Poe's drug and alcohol addiction took a toll on him. He became ill and died at a young age.

Hope this help!

K

-- Anonymous, May 25, 2001

he created a unique american idea

-- Anonymous, January 01, 2002