Name ________________________________
Due T 1/10
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.
1. Museum
http://www.poemuseum.org/poes_life/
When and where was Poe born?
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2. Serving his country
http://www.poemuseum.org/poes_life/
What branch of the military did Poe join? What name did he use when he enlisted?
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3. University Woes
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/eapoe.htm
What university did Poe attend and why was he expelled?
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4. Family Trials
http://www.biography.com/search/article.jsp?aid=9443160&search=Poe
What tragedy befell his mother and father, and how old was Poe when it happened?
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5. Family
http://www.biography.com/search/article.jsp?aid=9443160&search=Poe
Who takes in young Poe?
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6. Family Ties
http://www.biography.com/search/article.jsp?aid=9443160&search=Poe
What did Poe’s foster parents do for a living?
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7. His beloved mother
http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/person/timeline.asp
What happened to his foster mother in 1829?
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By Mrs. Brenda Lee Maple Park Middle School
www.successlink.org/lessons/5000/5491/poe_scavenger_hunt.pdf
8. Love on the line
http://www.eapoe.org/geningo/poechron.htm
Who did Poe marry on May 16, 1836? How old was he? How old was she?
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9. Love hurts
http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/person/timeline.asp
What happened with Poe’s first love in 1826?
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10. “It’ll be the death of me” http://www.eapoe.org/geninfo/poedeath.htm
In what year did Poe die, where did he die, and where is he buried?
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11. Death
http://www.eapoe.org/geninfo/poedeath.htm
Why is Poe’s death such a mystery?
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12. Death
http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/person/amity.asp
Describe Poe’s house in Baltimore in regards to the importance of the “desk and chair”.
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13. The legend
What is the “Poe Toaster”?
http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/library/news/toaster.asp
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14. Complete the Interactive “It’ll be the death of me” activity:
http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/person/death.asp
Which theory did you choose? What were your top 3 pieces of evidence?
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15. Now that you know about the major events in Poe’s life, what do you expect his writing will be
like?
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Congratulations! You now know Poe inside and out. Be prepared to share your findings
with the class and don’t forget to check out Poe’s works from the library!
By Mrs. Brenda Lee Maple Park Middle School
www.successlink.org/lessons/5000/5491/poe_scavenger_hunt.pdf