The Case of Edgar Allan Poe

Essay # 53368

Literature > American
Literature > Poetry

A look at the controversy surrounding the life and death of the author, Edgar Allan Poe.

2,085 words () | 7 sources | MLA | 2004 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how, since his death, there have been two different people with the name of Edgar Allen Poe. It looks at how many readers now believe Edgar Allan Poe was a drunkard and a drug addict who suffered from insanity. This paper points out why and how Poe's reputation was desecrated after his death and looks into both the falsehoods and truths of his life.

From the Paper:

"Griswold and Poe became acquainted in 1841 in connection to an anthology of poetry on which Griswold was working. Poe had given him some advice in regards to poets and works that he felt should be included in the book, but Griswold disregarded Poe's advice. After the book was published, Poe, who was a critic, stated in a review that some of the poets who made their appearance were "too mediocre to entitle them to particular notice". Still, overall the review was a good one, but the negative comment angered Griswold. When a later review that was highly negative of both the book and Griswold's talents was published anonymously, he assumed that Poe was responsible for that review."