Talk:Edgar Allan Poe

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[edit] Poe and drugs

The intro of the article mentions that it is well-known that he had serious drug-problems. I think that it is actually not that well-known "evidence" for drug-use is aparent, where he mentions his suicide attempt using laudanumand the year spent in treatment for opium.We should also take into account the fact that opium was a common pharmaceutical ingredient at that time for all medication. --Dada 14:30, 7 April 2006 (UTC)

Good point. His struggles with alcohol are well documented (though often exaggerated), but you're right that his drug use is not so well documented. Much of the speculation about drug use is based on his several allusions to opium in his stories, and his frequent vists to opium bars, and his admission that he attempted suicide. Perhaps it should be re-written to say, "well known struggles with alcohol and alleged drug problems." That would probably be closer to the truth. Wje 03:42, 9 April 2006 (UTC)
I think it is more accurate now. --Dada 08:41, 9 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Inventor of Gothic Fiction?

4rth line 1st paragraph Since when did edgar Allan Poe invest gothic fiction, I'm sure 'Castle of Otranto' by Horace Walpole outdates his life by an odd 26 years I guess it's up to differing opinions but can that be cleaned up

[edit] I'm pretty sure

I'm pretty sure Edgar had a sister named Lucy Ann Poe.

I know this because I'm directly related to her.

Mitch

According to the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore, he had a sister named Rosalie (middle name Mackenzie). --Dada 13:27, 26 April 2006 (UTC)

      Hmmm... That's strange. I'll go check the dates again. Mitch 21:51, 26 April 2006 (UTC)

He also had a brother. Someone should mention his siblings, and what became of them, in the article. 207.216.170.38 07:23, 29 April 2006 (UTC)


The article is already very long. Perhaps a new article on his siblings would be better. I know his brother wrote some poetry and short stories, some of which are very similar to Poe's ("The happiest day, the Happiest hour" is almost identical between the two, and there's some controversy as to whether the poem is original to Edgar or his brother). His sister also wrote some poetry. But neither of them could hold a candle to Poe talent-wise, of course. They might merit their own article simply for being authors who are siblings of Edgar Allan Poe. Wje 19:57, 17 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Protection?

Considering what seems to me the staggering amount of vandalism that has ocurred in the last 24 hours, perhaps this article needs protection? --Charles 17:56, 15 May 2006 (UTC)

You can request page protection and unprotection at Wikipedia:Requests for page protection, but in my experience the page hasn't been hit that badly. It's on my watchlist so I regularly catch vandalism to the article and I guess from the history it's on Syrthiss' watchlist too. --Alf melmac 18:13, 15 May 2006 (UTC)

It just seems that it has been hit several times in a row in the last day-and-a-half. It is getting old. But, you could be right, this might, comparatively, be nothing. --Charles 04:04, 16 May 2006 (UTC)
Well, I'm not sure why this article is still under protection, but whatever. I only discovered that when I tried to correct the following shaky grammar, in the section on the Griswold memoir:
This was due in part because it was the only full biography available and was widely reprinted
Um. "Due . . . because" doesn't work. It has to be either "This was due in part to the fact that it was the only" or simply "This was because it was the only." Personally (speaking as a copyeditor of two decades' experience), I'd go with the latter option. Would someone with The Power care to make the correction?
A very good article, by the way. I came by to pick up some bio details because I've been reading Bayard's The Pale Blue Eye, (2006) in which Poe is one of the two main characters. Excellent book; one which might deserve to be noted in the article, in fact. (I mean, if we're including video games. . . .) --Michael K. Smith 03:16, 19 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Great, He Was in A Video Game...

That there are characters named "Poes" in The Legend of Zelda game does not need to be mentioned twice, and really not even once, but I only removed one mention.


  I agree. Poes in the Zelda series hardly have anything to do with E. A. Poe. If there is any connection then a source would be nice. This mention should be deleted.

12.44.31.196 17:32, 2 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] American literature

I think the influence on American literature has been pretty great and the section on this should reflect that. I can't quote specifics (that's why I'm not adding specifics), but I'm sure I've read a large number of articles on American authors that say Poe was a great influence. I've heard that he wasn't highly regarded in his own time and the article mentions this (Mark Twain actually might have taken a swing at him in Huckleberry Finn where he included a scene where Huck reads a horrible poet who writes on dark themes), but he's hugely regarded now. Jztinfinity 16:33, 27 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] West Point Bailout

Poe seems to have deliberately orchestrated his court-martial and dismissal from West Point because it was the quickest way to get out of the place. Many of his fellow cadets bought copies of his latest chapbook to help him financially, which would indicate a certain level of popularity and respect. Edgar Allan Poe: A Critical Biography by Arthur Hobson Quinn. New York, 1941, Appleton-Century-Crofts, Inc. -- Cranston Lamont 04:14, 19 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Charles Dickens

Poe and Charles Dickens were personally acquainted and on friendly terms; the two met during one of Dickens's U.S. tours. After Poe's death Dickens sent a sum of money to Poe's aunt. Quinn, op. cit. -- Cranston Lamont 04:14, 19 July 2006 (UTC)

Actually, Poe and Dickens only started on friendly terms. Poe quickly added him to his list of enemies after Dickens failed to follow through on a promise to secure an overseas publisher of his works. Also, an anonymous review of American poetry printed in England called Poe nothing more than an imitator - many, including Poe, presumed it was written by Dickens. See Kenneth Silverman's biography, Edgar A. Poe: Mournful and Never-ending Remembrance, Harper Perennial, pages 198-200. It's like the Poe Bible, so get yourself a copy! Midnightdreary 14:57, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Dumb Vandals

Why does this page attract so many dumb vandals? Is there someting about Poe which lures them here? Colin4C 20:57, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

Of all the writers you read in high school, Poe is probably the "weirdest" and hence most disturbing to the adolescent mind. Nareek 11:42, 27 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] More audio recordings

I added a link to some audio recordings I recently created of some Poe short stories. I think the quality's higher than most of what's available (MP3 resolution as well as interpretation) so I hope nobody minds my promoting them here. The recordings are available for free and there are no advertisements or commercial links or anything like that. aruffo 22:15, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Poe was expelled from the University of Virginia

As everyone who has ever gone on a tour of the grounds at the University of Virginia knows, Poe was expelled from the University of Virginia for violating the honor code. He did not "drop-out" due to his gambling debts. Poe was caught gambling, which was against the rules for a UVA student, and was facing some form of punishment, although almost certainly something short of expulsion, as gambling was not and is not a violation of UVA's honor code. Unfortunately, Poe lied in his own defense, and was caught in the lie as well. Lying, unlike gambling, is very much an honor violation, hence Poe's expulsion. I will provide supporting information if I can find any, but due to an astonishing wave of revisionism and bad research, nearly no one has the story straight right now.

66.108.185.206 02:38, 8 September 2006 (UTC)

The UVA U-Guides have a "notebook" of materials their new guides study (or at least they used to). Does anyone have access to that information? It isn't currently available on their website.

Cka3n 21:31, 9 September 2006 (UTC)

The guided tour at UVA is not really a great source--if you've got a better source documenting that Poe was in fact expelled, by all means put that in. Nareek 00:19, 10 September 2006 (UTC)
Actually, as far as I know, almost everything the U-Guides say should be based upon the documentation in their notebooks. Relying upon memory of the tour may not be very good, but tracking down that book and seeing what they say and what they cite would be alright, I'd think. Cka3n 09:24, 10 September 2006 (UTC)
I was wrong. The archivest of UVA's Raven society confirmed to me that the expulsion story was false. Sorry for muddying the issue. Sevenwarlocks 20:04, 9 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Vandalism

What's with the vanadlism found in the first paragraph of biography? This article clearly needs to be protected.

School is back in session, I think is the main thing.
I'd be for semi-protection, but then I wouldn't mind it if everyone had to sign in to edit Wikipedia; other people find that more problematic. Nareek 20:28, 12 September 2006 (UTC)
Do you think teachers recommend this wikipedia article to their students, who then show their appreciation by vandalising it? We are starting to get the same thing on the Gothic fiction page, which I guess could be a tribute of sorts...Colin4C 11:11, 14 September 2006 (UTC)
High school kids are Internet-savvy enough to figure out how to find WP on their own, and then the idea of leaving their mark on it is irresistable to some--kind of like a dog and a tree. I think it is a tribute of sorts, both to the power to disturb that things like Poe and Gothic fiction still hold, and to the fascinating idea of a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit. When I first started working on WP, about half a year ago, the vandalism (particularly of this page--see above) really used to bother me. Now I see it as more of a normal annoyance, kind of like the way you have to sweep up the gum wrappers on the sidewalk if you own a small store. Nareek 11:28, 14 September 2006 (UTC)
My school is full of idiots. I was banned for two months because of them. And could SOMEONE PLEASE GET RID OF THE VERY LAST LINE? Seriously. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 205.235.34.131 (talk) 15:17, 20 March 2007 (UTC).

[edit] Tales of Mystery and Imagination?

I have only read a handful of Poe stories, and seen a few films, so I am no expert. Bit confused over Tales of Mystery and Imagination, however, as there is no mention of the title in this article. Was this simply the name later given by a publisher to Poe's collected works? If so, I think an expert needs to weigh in and say something in the article. To me, and I'm sure to many others, Poe's name is synonymous with Tales of Mystery and Imagination, so it seems odd it is not mentioned. When I linked it from another article, the entry under Tales of Mystery and Imagination is about a rock album inspired by Poe. David L Rattigan 08:05, 9 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Ethnicity

Does Poe's Irish ancestry explain his addiction to alcohol?Lestrade 14:41, 12 October 2006 (UTC)Lestrade

[edit] Edgar Allan Poe Please help me in these questions

Why Wasn't Poe accepted by his foster parents? Like later

Poe's foster parents were from an upper-crust military family who disaproved when Poe grew a moustache and dark wardrobe(serious fashion faux-pas in those days.) Soon after growing facial hair, Poe's clean-shaven foster father disowned him.

Who were the two women most devoted to Poe and what relationship were they to Poe?

The first was Poe's sister, Percilla Poe, the inventer of the poestcard. She lived in England, where she herself had a successful career as a novelist. Her correspondence -- through poestcards, of course, are some of the most important insights we have about Edgar's life.
The second was Poe's wife, who worked at a paper mill. Each eavning, she would bring home paper scraps on which Edgar would compose. These scraps were intended to be used in their fireplace, however, so they had many cold nights without this important fuel.

What happened to Poe's wife? How did this affect Poe?

Poe's wife left him in 1835 for the author Ralph Waldo Emerson.

What were some of Poe's jobs?

Besides being the world's first-ever poet (where do you think we got the name?) Poe was an acomplished singer. You can still get his albums on CD. He also worked in a shoe factory.

What is the connection between Poe and the Baltimore Ravens NFL club?

Poe played for the Baltimore Ravens for four years after college. He was not a very accomplished player, but it is said he named his poem "The Raven" after the football team.

Who is the Poe Toaste?

In the 1970's, novelty toasters in the shapes of cartoon characters and famous people were all the rage. The Poe Toaster featured Poe's likeness, mouth wide open, waiting for the user to insert two slices of bread. The toaster is well-known because of an interview with former president Gerald Ford, in which he said that the Poe Toaster was his favorite kitchen appliance.
I hope this helps. Remember -- it's always easier to just ask people than to waste a lot of time researching this stuff on your own. Who wants to do homework anyway?
I just read this, and I it made me laugh out loud. Nicely done. :) Midnightdreary 17:55, 19 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Cultural depictions of Edgar Allan Poe

I've started an approach that may apply to Wikipedia's Core Biography articles: creating a branching list page based on in popular culture information. I started that last year while I raised Joan of Arc to featured article when I created Cultural depictions of Joan of Arc, which has become a featured list. Recently I also created Cultural depictions of Alexander the Great out of material that had been deleted from the biography article. Since cultural references sometimes get deleted without discussion, I'd like to suggest this as a model for the editors here. Regards, Durova 16:14, 17 October 2006 (UTC)

I agree. An alternative approach is the one I have started with entries like Nikola Tesla in popular culture which isn't quite as broad ranging as the cultural depictions (although they could grow and moprh into one) and this entry is ripe for such splitting with a section already devoted to Poe as a character and I notice the entry is already 55kb long and if a split were needed then this would seem the best place to start whichever option you go for, either approach is fine by me. (Emperor 01:55, 7 December 2006 (UTC))

[edit] William Wilson - Elah-Gabalus

I was just wondering if anyone knows what "Elah-Gabalus" means. I did a Google search of the term and the only hits that it made had to do with William Wilson.--Rouge Rosado Oui? 04:06, 23 October 2006 (UTC)

It's probably a reference to Elagabalus, a short-lived Roman Emperor. Archiesteel 05:06, 4 November 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Picture Available

I have personal photo images of Poe's original gravestone (with the Raven atop it) available if you want them. I have no idea how to upload images to wiki so if one of you messages me to say how to do this I'll get it done. The image of his tombstone shown in the article is not the original.Iamlondon 07:21, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

To upload images just click on the "Upload File" link in the left column, and follow the instructions there. I think that if you have photos of the original tombstone (and that they are not the copyrighted work of someone else), you should definitely put them up on the page. Let me know if you still need help to upload the file. Archiesteel 23:32, 31 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Suicide?

I see that this page has been added to the "Suicide" and "Writers who committed suicide" categories. However, even though he did attempt suicide one year before his death, he was not successful in that attempt. His actual death, though self-destructive, can hardly be described as a suicide. As such, I believe he should be removed from those categories, unless the latter also include suicide attempts (which I believe is not the case). Archiesteel 23:29, 31 December 2006 (UTC)

  • I'd agree. He didn't actually commit suicide...so therefore the categories do not belong.Ganfon 22:01, 2 January 2007 (UTC)
  • agree. Syrthiss 22:03, 2 January 2007 (UTC)
  • agree. Clown in black and yellow 21:11 2 January 2007 (CST)
All right then, unless someone objects, I'll reverse the change tomorrow. Archiesteel 22:00, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] UVA Alum

Is he really an alumni if he didn't graduate? The definition on Wikipedia would say yes, but generally I thought it only referred to graduates, not just attendees. Admittedly, I am biased however, so I'm not changing anything. Alex 17:13, 18 January 2007 (UTC)

Online definitions generally seem to include all former students--see e.g. [1]. Nareek 17:37, 18 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Simpson Writer?

EAP 1809-1849

The simpsons came out 140yrs. after he died, unless I'm Mistaken.....

Vandalism Maybe? ----Ass_Kicker_The_Great —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Ass Kicker The Great (talk • contribs) 23:43, 22 January 2007 (UTC).

he was creditted as a Simpsons writer for Treehouse of Horror. The third segment was basically James Earl Jones reading parts of the poem while the Simpson characters acted it out. So, he's credited as a Simpsons writer and I put the category on his page. -- Scorpion 04:06, 31 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Assessment: Importance

I'm afraid I have trouble considering most authors to be of "Top" importance, at least for science fiction. Top-importance are whole sections in the main article. Probably Heinlein (mentioned six times in the article), but after that it's hazy. I don't consider Poe to be the most important SF writer of the 19th century (that would have to be Wells, IMO). I changed the assessment to "High"; he did help define the short story form. Avt tor 06:51, 1 February 2007 (UTC)

I had assessed him as "Top" because he is considered by Wikipedia to be of Vital Importance to all languages that Wikipedia is provided in, and I left a note to that effect next to the template. -Malkinann 10:13, 1 February 2007 (UTC)
I'm not sure I agree that a subject is of equal importance in all categories. But I won't argue the point. I apologize for not noticing your comment. Avt tor 22:48, 1 February 2007 (UTC)
In reference to science fiction in particular, I'd read the essay by John Tresch, Extra! Extra! Poe invents science fiction!. I think that may show some importance. Midnightdreary 15:04, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] New section for Death?

I'd like to suggest a separate page be made about Poe's death, including theories, research, the reburial, etc. The full article has gotten quite long and I think this is a very appropriate part to pull out. Thoughts? Midnightdreary 18:42, 31 January 2007 (UTC)

Well, I've gone ahead and done it. Feel free to debate if it was a good idea; we can always move it back. Midnightdreary 16:43, 2 February 2007 (UTC)

The article needed summarization, so removing sections to subordinate pages is a good idea. This section was particularly appropriate as most people would be interested in Poe's work and cultural impact; his death is merely a curious detail. And, really, high five for an excellent topic and title. Avt tor 17:09, 2 February 2007 (UTC)
Hey, thanks for the pat on the back; I'm going to get back to this in a few days and see what touch-up is needed. My next suggestion for a new page is for Poe in popular culture or something along those lines. Midnightdreary 18:12, 2 February 2007 (UTC)
I made an article on Edgar Allan Poe and music a while back--I've been thinking that an article on Edgar Allan Poe and film would be useful. Nareek 22:16, 2 February 2007 (UTC)
How about Edgar Allan Poe in television and film? Does that work? =) Midnightdreary 18:25, 9 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] GA Passed

I passed this as good article. It has a lot of good information and is quite readable. The sources are reliable and all the facts I spot checked seemed to check out. Even, to my surprise, the one about Poes essay on cryptography contributing to the start up of the USA's code breaking effort in WWI. I do think the article is a little long and I second the suggestion I see on this discussion page of breaking all the popular culture and film stuff out into a separate article. I think this article should focus on his life and work and his influence on other writers. Rusty Cashman 10:35, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Batman: Nevermore

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the Batman: Nevermore series of comics. This 5-issue comic is told from the perspective of Edgar Allan Poe, and a Batman-like figure shows up as "The Raven." I have only read one issue, so I am not suited to add a full journal-style entry, but I felt it deserved a mention. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 168.8.64.2 (talk) 17:52, 2 March 2007 (UTC).

A formal review of this one-off can be found at: http://www.popmatters.com/comics/batman-nevermore.shtml

Frankly, I'd be okay if we lay off all the Poe references in popular culture. It's really a never-ending list, and this article is cluttered enough as is! But, if someone wants to add it, I wouldn't stop them, but I'd recommend The Raven in popular culture instead. Midnightdreary 18:44, 2 March 2007 (UTC)
The solution is for a Edgar Allan Poe in popular culture (as mentioned above). There is a good section on it here but, as you say, it is going to start unbalancing the entry if it gets much bigger, as I found when I helped create Nikola Tesla in popular culture and Nikola Tesla in popular culture (it reached a point when people were adding things in, other people were taking them out, not because they didn't belong but because the section was getting too big). I'd be happy to do the split if people gave it the thumbs up. To the mystery editor: I have linked it in here and if you are feeling enthusiastic then get stuck in and we can sort out adding it here at some later point (the important thing is to get the entry rolling). (Emperor 19:14, 2 March 2007 (UTC))
We keep going back to this idea, which I still support. Keep in mind that we already have two sections with their own articles (Edgar Allan Poe and music and Edgar Allan Poe in television and film) I say, Be bold and go for it, Emperor. Midnightdreary 20:48, 2 March 2007 (UTC)
Well it wasn't so much about boldness I have dropped similar suggestions into a number of entries with similar issues. However, Poe is the easiest to do as it is all there really (although I'd like to see more on Poe's appearances in films) so it is done. Its pretty much based on other I've done and I will give more thought to expanding it but the good work of previous editors have got it off to a good start. (Emperor 21:13, 2 March 2007 (UTC))
Nicely done. I think it's about time this article gets nominated for Featured Article again! Midnightdreary 21:56, 2 March 2007 (UTC)


[edit] Suicide?

He attempted suicide in 1948? I don´t think so. Please, prove it. Sürrell 16.03.07. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 85.52.161.132 (talk) 11:42, 16 March 2007 (UTC).

Source added, though I don't like where the sentence is lumped in between information about his actual death. But, anyway, there it is, as requested. Midnightdreary 16:25, 16 March 2007 (UTC)
"He may have attempted"; thank you very much. Sürrell (Spanish Wik.) 19.03.07 —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 85.52.161.132 (talk) 10:46, 19 March 2007 (UTC).

[edit] Swapping pictures?

In the Edgar_Allan_Poe#Career section, I'd like to swap out the picture of Poe (Image:Edgar Allan Poe.jpg) to a picture of his wife Image:VirginiaPoe.jpg, as this is (somewhat oddly, I feel) the section in which her death is discussed. Thoughts? -Malkinann 09:44, 22 March 2007 (UTC)

I like the current picture, and it would be a shame to lose it. Truth be told, it's a great representation of what Poe actually looked like throughout much of his career, despite the famous image of him and his moustache towards the end of his life. As for Virginia's death in this section, it seems appropriate because of the influence on his work. Anyway, if people are more interested in Virginia, they can visit her article. Good idea, but not sure it's needed. :) Midnightdreary 16:28, 22 March 2007 (UTC)
I moved the pic down to another section so, assuming the subject is deemed appropriate, an image could be added. There is certainly room for another pic or two. --Evb-wiki 16:49, 22 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Poe in Pawtucket?

I have never heard or read anything that ever mentions Pawtucket, RI as a place where Poe served an apprenticeship. He did spend time in his later years in nearby Providence, but an apprenticeship in Pawtucket? Where did this information come from? I strongly believe this is an eggregous factual error that needs immediate correction. 72.200.147.152 16:58, 1 April 2007 (UTC)Richard Kucal

[edit] Reference 7

The Note 7 down in the References links to a non-existent article in the wikisource. I believe the correct article is at http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Death_of_Edgar_Allan_Poe is it not? At least it would work Cerothought 14:09, 4 April 2007 (UTC)

fixed. :) -Malkinann 21:54, 4 April 2007 (UTC)

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