Perspectives on Poe’s Passing

Background:

As evidenced by our NFL team, the Ravens, one of Baltimore’s greatest claims to fame is its association with the renowned Romantic/Gothic writer, Edgar Allan Poe. Yet, Baltimore’s connection to Poe is somewhat more tenuous than many initially realize; perhaps it takes a peculiar city to so fully embrace a relationship with such a dark and morbid man whose presence in Baltimore was sporadic and troubled at best.

Born in Boston to two traveling actors, Poe spent much of his life in Richmond, VA where he was raised by his adoptive parents (in action, not legality), Mr. and Mrs. John Allan. Poe did have biological relatives in Baltimore, on his mother’s side: grandparents, a brother, and various extended family members, including his devoted aunt, Maria Clemm, and her daughter, Poe’s cousin and future wife, Virginia.

While Poe had briefly stayed with his grandparents in Baltimore following his birth, he first sought out the Baltimorean branch of his family tree after arguing over his sizeable gambling debts with John Allan. He would continue to live with cousins in Baltimore off and on for years, generally during his times of greatest instability. During such times, Poe’s second book was published in Maryland, and it should not go without note that Edgar Allan Poe applied for a teaching position with the Baltimore Public School system and was turned down. Yes, the evidence of a flawed educational system was present already when narrative poet, father of the short story, and creator of the horror genre, Edgar Allan Poe was denied a position as a Baltimore City school teacher. But despite these occurrences, the reality remains that Baltimore’s most notable affiliation with Poe is through death – Poe died in the Washington University Hospital and is prominently buried in the Westminster Burying Ground, both in Baltimore. On the eve of Poe’s birthday, since 1949, an elusive devotee has left a bottle of cognac and three roses atop the tomb of the famed writer.

Poe had been found presumably intoxicated and nearly unconscious in a Baltimore tavern, wearing clothing other then his own. And this highly unusual death has spurned perhaps one of the greatest mysteries of all time – how did Edgar Allan Poe die? There have been many different perspectives on the mystery voiced through the years, and devoted Poe enthusiasts continue to search for answers today. Utilize the web links to investigate the multitude of theories as to the cause of Poe’s untimely demise at age 40 and to come to a conclusion for yourself.

Activity:

1. Visit the below sites, and create a comprehensive bulleted list of all of the different causes to which Poe’s death is attributed.

The Museum of Edgar Allan Poe

National Park Service

2. As you read information contained in the sites below, use the t-charts on your worksheet to record pro and con bullets concerning the reliability of the following four COD theories: Alcohol, Cooping, Brain Lesions/Tumors, and Rabies. In other words, what details make the theory believable and what details seem to rule out the theory’s possibility?

Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore

The New York Observer

University of Maryland Medical Center

3. Write a brief response of at least 7 mature sentences, detailing which theory you believe to have the most basis in fact/the best perspective on Poe’s death and why.