Did Poe really suffer from muenat illness such as Depression,bipoar diorder or any phobias

-- Anonymous, January 06, 2004

Answers

I would say there were credible signs of some disorder, though nott crippling. Compare to the difficutlies of Charles Baudelaire who procrastinated, was self destructive, self defeating, a bit of a poser, could not write long material and chose satirical or dark material. Coleridge I think had deeper problems and Dylan Thomas without a doubt consumed more alcohol than all of them put together.

But unless you are Dr. Laura, diagnosing dead people based on written records is rather shaky and strong presumptions should not be made. Is "Alone" the result of orphaning or a pathology, or a uniquely creative mind far above the ordinary? At sdome point you have to put the poor man together and leave the mysteries to themselves. He was a quite happy child, fairly conservative, humorous, friendly etc. Drink was probably more damaging than anything else.

-- Anonymous, January 12, 2004