inspiration of the poem annabel lee

-- Anonymous, October 30, 2002

Answers

Literary inspiration: Almost certainly Poe had read or heard an earlier poem "The Mourner" by D.M.C. originally published in the "Courier" of Charleston, S.C., 12/4/1807. One of the four stanzas will be enough here:

With my Anna I past the mild summer of love Till death gave his cruel decree, And bore the dear angel to regions above From the cot by the side of the sea."

In 1849 corresponding with Srah Whitman she produced a similar poem "Stanzas for Music". Was "Annabel Lee" a reply?

Reallife inspiration: The Whitman correspondence as noted. Of course there is the mourful death of Virgina Poe hinted at in several clues(child, love, high born kinsmen, etc.)

-- Anonymous, October 30, 2002