The Mysterious Life of Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe has been acclaimed as one of the greatest American writers. Although Poe's poetry and short stories were written almost two hundred years ago, they are still read and enjoyed today. Like the modern-day writer, Stephen King, Poe is heralded as a master of horror and suspense.
Much of Poe's life is shrouded by mystery and conjecture. Known as a "dark writer," researchers and historians have sought to link the moods and themes of Poe's writing to the unfortunate circumstances and nature of Poe's life.
View the below videos and then continue through the directions.
Videos
Life After Death 1:18
http://www.biography.com/people/edgar-allan-poe-9443160/videos/biography-edgar-allan-poe-death-beyond-2080052627
Nevermore 1:05
http://www.biography.com/people/edgar-allan-poe-9443160/videos/biography-edgar-allan-poe-nevermore-2080054356
The Detective Story 1:08
http://www.biography.com/people/edgar-allan-poe-9443160/videos/biography-edgar-allan-poe-the-detective-story-2080052335
Sites to visit
Pick a partner from your team to help you investigate Poe's life. Research Poe using the resources below. Keep accurate detail notes so you can share with the rest of your team. You will need to answer all questions in a separate Word document. You must use complete sentences and eliminate shady pronouns!
1. To get an overview of Poe's life go to Biography.com. Click on biography search. Then type in Edgar Allan Poe. Follow the links from there.
Take special note of major events in his life such as Poe's:
• real parents, his memories of them and their effect on his life
• real parents, his memories of them their influence on his writings.
• childhood and the events of his early teens
• relationship with the Allan family
• college and army experiences
• loves and losses
• marriages
• dependencies
• view on death
Poe Museum
http://www.poemuseum.org/index.php
2. Begin with the Poe’s Life (Top Link). Be sure to look at the links to the right of the screen.
A. Click on Time Line
-jot down 3 famous people who lived during Poe’s life and 5 historical events that occurred during his life
B. Click on Poe in Richmond
-What was the name of the oldest church in Richmond (This is where Poe’s mother was laid to rest)?
-What famous event occurred at this church?
-What was the name of Poe’s only novel?
-Where did Poe give his last reading of “The Raven?”
C. Click on Death Theories
-If you are unaware of a theory, define it
3. Click on the Student link at the top of the page, then click on the box titled “ Solve the Mystery of Poe’s Death”
A. read the theories carefully and choose at least 3 that you find plausible
B. Go to http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/person/death.asp and click on “It Will be the Death of Me”
C. Follow through the video and read the provided links
D. Choose the theory you think is most valid and complete the interactive video.
4. Return to The Poe Museum and post your theory under“ Solve the Mystery of Poe’s Death”
A. You will need to save your theory in a Word document before posting it to the website.
B. Your theory must have the following FCA’s
FCA- One theory
FCA-Top three pieces of evidence
FCA- Clear explanation of choice
FCA- Strong verbs X 5
5. Complete the Scavenger Hunt. Go to the Student Shared drive and click under your class folder. In the folder you will click on the Poe folder and complete the scavenger hunt.
6. Using the following links answer the below questions.
A. http://www.eapoe.org/geninfo/poedeath.htm
Why is Poe’s death such a mystery?
B. http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/person/amity.asp
Describe Poe’s house in Baltimore in regards to the importance of the “desk and chair.”
C. http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/library/news/toaster.asp
What is the “Poe Toaster”?
7. Go back to the Poe Museum and go to “About the Museum” (upper top-left corner) tab and choose the link on the right titled “Collection Database.”
Browse through the items, and then choose Illustrations. Choose one picture and create a TONE poster. For this assignment, copy and paste the picture in the middle of a Word Document. All around the picture you will type diction that creates a certain tone. You may use any words. (EX: if the tone was happy some of my words may be sunny, tranquil, cheered, enthusiastic, optimistic, butterflies, birds chirping, warmth, joy, etc.)
Questions to answer on your quest with your group members
1. In what ways was Poe's life remarkable?
2. In what ways was Poe's life despicable?
3. In what ways was Poe's life admirable?
4. What human qualities were most influential in shaping the way Poe lived and influenced his time?
5. Which of Poe's qualities or traits proved most troubling and difficult?
6. Which of Poe's qualities or traits proved most beneficial?
7. Did Poe make any major mistakes or bad decisions? If so, what were they and how did Poe handle or not handle them?
8. What the two or three most important lessons you or any other person might learn from the way Poe lived?
9. Some people say you can judge the quality of a person's life by the enemies they make. Do you think this is true of Poe's life? Explain why or why not.
10. An older person or mentor is often very important in shaping the lives of gifted people by providing guidance and encouragement. To what extent was this true about Poe? Explain.
11. Many people act out of a "code" or a set of beliefs that dictate choices. It may be religion or politics or a personal philosophy. To what extent did Poe act by a code or act independently of any set of beliefs? Were there times when the code was challenged and impossible to follow?
12. What do you think it means to be a hero? Was Poe a "hero?" Why or why not?