The purpose of this site is to give you a variety of background information on the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe. After compiling all of this information, choose one of the activities on the left to complete and share with the class. Now on with the journey!

    Go to the following site on Poe's life and search the links to locate the missing information! You will need to look at Edgar's childhood, Edgar's teens, and the summary of Poe's life.

1.  Describe Poe's real mother and father. (What were their names?  What did they do?)
2.  What happened to Poe's dad and mother when Poe was young?
3.  Who eventually raised Edgar Allan Poe?
4.  Why wasn't Poe accepted by his foster parents?
5.  Describe Poe's childhood when he lived in Richmond. Was he happy?
6.  What were Poe's college days like at the University of Virginia?
7.  Who were the two women most devoted to Poe, and what relationship were they to Poe?
8.  What happened to Poe's wife?  How did this affect Poe?

     Originally, research indicated that Poe may have been abducted by pollsters and left for dead in someone else's clothes. New research may indicate differently. Read this article on Poe's death and answer the following questions.

1. What does the author, Paul P. Reuben, suggest that Poe may have died from?
2. What is the evidence offered?
3. Does this explanation sound reasonable?  Why or why not?

     Look at the chronology of Poe's life. Choose 7 dates you feel are important in the history of his life. List the dates in chronological order along with the significance of each.

     Use this site which includes Poe's work to find 6 poems and 6 short stories written by him. You can click on the title to read the poem or story. Use the icons to help you identify the type of literature. After listing the poems and short stories, write a paragraph telling which one you liked most and why.

     Send questions or comments to Lorraine A. Johnson
          Copyright © 2002 All Rights Reserved
                Last updated June 2002