The Masque of the Red Death

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The Masque of the Red Death

Edgar Allan Poe

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Edgar Allan Poe 1809-1849

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His Family and Tragic Life

Born in Boston

The son of traveling actors

Lived a tragic and unhappy life

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Tragic and Unhappy Life

Mother died of tuberculosis when Poe was one

Father deserted him at the age of two

Adopted by Mr. and Mrs. John Allan

Had constant disagreements with his step-father

John Allan

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. . . continued

Studied briefly at the University of Virginia

Drinking and gambling difficulties kept him from continuing at UVA

University of Virginia, 1856

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. . .continued

Received an appointment to West Point, but provoked his own dismissal

Caused a final separation between himself and step-father

West Point Crest

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. . .continued

In 1836 married his 14 year old cousin, Virginia

Last 12 years of life worked as journalist, editor, and creative writer

Virginia Clemm

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. . . continued

Lived in poverty stricken conditions most of his life

In 1846 wife died after a long illness

Poe’s home during the 1840’s

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Addiction

All evidence suggests that Poe was an alcoholic.

Poe also habitually used drugs such as morphine, opium, and laudanum to treat depression and other health conditions.

Poe had a weakened nervous system due to a brain lesion and a heart condition.

Laudanum, a highly addictive, opium based medicine, was commonly used to treat headaches and stomach pains in 1800’s.

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. . . continued

Died in Baltimore after having been found in a drunken stupor

Died a poor man

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Poe’s Work

Known for:

Tales of mystery and terror stories

Introducing the modern detective story

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Just a Few Titles

Short Stories:

The Tell-Tale Heart