Edgar Allen Poe

Death is a central theme in the work of Edgar Allan Poe. Some assume this to be because of the death of many of his loved ones; others seem to think he is merely insane and uses this topic because of the fascination readers have with death. His concentration of such matters as bizarre deaths and torture leaves some to doubt his sanity, others consider Poe a literary pioneer as Michael L. Burdock once said.(Leone102)
Poe’s parents were touring actors and both passed away before he was three years of age. From there he went to live with John Allan who was a merchant in Richmond, Virginia. He attended five years of school in England and in 1826 he entered the University of Virginia, but only stayed one year due to gambling depts he refused to pay. Allan prevented Poe’s return to the University of Virginia and broke off Poe’s engagement to his first love, Sarah Elmira Royster. Later he enlisted in the army, and not long after being in the army Allan secured Poe’s relea...