Hello Everyone,
Last Friday, April 16th, my wife and I attended an event at the Kent County Public Library, which discussed the life and sudden death of Edgar Allan Poe. I found it to be a fantastic way to spend an hour and a half learning more about one of my favorite nineteenth century authors. As most people know, Poe died from unknown circumstances at the Washington College Hospital in Baltimore on October 7th, 1849 at the age of 40. What no one knows is exactly how he died. Before I go into some of the theories I want to share with you my history of Edgar Allan Poe.
My first experience with Poe happened on October 25th, 1990 when I saw the first Simpsons Halloween Special titled 'Treehouse of Horror.' The episode, which is appropriately named "The Raven," sets Homer as the narrator in this spectacular parody of Poe's famous poem. After watching the episode and having my father explain to me its origin, I attempted to read the poem, but failed miserably with my young not quite eight year old mind. It would be ten years later while in high school when I again attempted to read the unusual poem and two years after when I read my first Poe short story, "The Tell Tale Heart," which was also made into an episode of the Simpsons. Today I can still recall exactly where I was and under what circumstances I read that tale for murder and insanity. I remember how Poe's words drew me into the story with the steady pace of a beating heart. I remember the words flowing more rapidly as the climax grew with the beating of the hideous heart.
I think here is where many people use the phrase 'needless to say' and then go ahead and say what has been labeled as not needing to be explained, but I shall say that Poe helped me develop a love and respect for literature. During my college education I was fortunate to have been able to take four classes with Poe on the reading list. While I read Poe, I failed to learn more about himself.
Back to the library event, which was organized by the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore. Throughout my life I heard of a few difference theories about how Poe died. First, the rabies theory, which always seemed the most fitting idea to me, no offense Edgar. Second, which I always believe was the Cooping theory. Rather than explain this theory or any others I simply refer you to this webpage. If you are interested in reading about Poe's death, one book that has come highly recommended, which I have not had chance to read, but have every intention is a book titled "Midnight Dreary: The Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe," by John Evangelist Walsh. What ever conclusions people have, I prefer to leave his death as a true mystery. Sometimes there is a little bit of magic hidden in ignorance.
The white Tombstone above is the grave of Poe.
Moving from the past to the present before I finish I wish to discuss one more part of Poe's death, the roses, the cognac and the mysterious toaster. Actually, rather than have me and my poor words account for you this great yet sad tale, please read this article from the Baltimore Sun. If you are still interested in learning more about Poe's death and how his grave moved from the back of the Westminster Graveyard without a headstone to the current day position shown above, please ask Sara Sigourney Rice.
Happy Reading,
ORB
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