Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is one of the darkest poets of the romantic era. He was born the middle child of actors Elizabeth and David Poe. Edgar experienced tragedy very early in life when he lost both parents before the age of three. He was soon after taken in by John Allan, a fairly wealthy merchant. Over the course of more than 20 years Edgar proved a disappointment in his foster father’s eyes, in spite of this, his works are still taught and discussed today.
Edgar began his education at the age of 6 when Mr. Allan took the family to England for 5 years. In 1820 he returned to America, continued his education under a strained relationship with his foster father. When he chose to enroll in the University of Virginia, Mr. Allan saw fit to only provide one-third of the financing necessary to attend the university. Edgar had to resort to gambling in an attempt to feel financially secure. Instead he ran up a debt his foster father was unwilling to cover.
As well, it was soon discovered that Edgar had a problem with alcohol, and once he began to drink he would not stop until he physically shut down. Between the tragedy, his uncertain relationship with his foster father, and his personal struggles, it is no surprise that he would write some of the most romantic writings of the period. If readers are touched by his writing, Edgar Allan Poe has accomplished the goal of expressing those feelings that are at best indescribable.