Currently in class, we've been reading a lot of short stories/poems written by the American short-story writer, poet, critic, and editor - Edgar Allan Poe. Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts (a very familiar place). He was the son of actors, although he never knew his parents. His father left the family and his mother died when he was three years-old. Poe was separated from his siblings as well, going to live with John (a successful tobacco merchant) and Frances (John's wife) Allan in Richmond, Virginia. Poe attended college at the University of Virginia in 1826. However, the Allans didn't give enough money to cover all of the funds, which led Edgar Allan Poe gambling to cover the difference, which also eventually led him to being in debt. Poe was known for tales of mystery and the macabre (disturbing and horrifying because of the involvement of death and injury); he was also know for inventing the detective fiction genre and emerging the science fiction genre.
Edgar Allan Poe (in my opinion) is a great author, not only for introducing new genres and producing great poems and short stories, but also for actually grabbing my attention while reading his works. Usually I get extremely distracted while reading, despite the genre. Poe's works tended to be long and not in modern language. Nevertheless, Poe's mysterious, exciting, and eerie narrations caused me to be engaged, which is why it was great to spend a few weeks reading his poems and short stories. RIP Mr. Poe.
