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Poe did not seriously use or have an addiction to drugs. The idea that Poe was a user of or was addicted to opium is a misconception that should be refuted. There are several reasons for this error. One is that some of the narrators of Poe's stories did use opium in the story. This has been projected by some to mean that Poe himself was using the drug, especially because Poe tended to narrate his stories in the first person. Poe had some narrators use drugs simply for literary effect within the stories.
Another reason is that some critics of his work simply used that as an excuse for their criticism. One critic deemed Poe's Tales as the "outpourings of an opium eater," but without stating that he actually was an opium eater, i.e. user.
Other reasons for not believing Poe used opium are statements from various people that knew Poe. Thomas Dunn English, a physician and Poe adversary, never accused him of it. English and Poe had been on good terms at one time and had several meetings both at English's home and at Poe's home. English at one time said that he would have known Poe was an opium user either by his physician's expertise or regular observation by his visiting with Poe so many times.
A Dr. John Carter knew and had examined Poe and stated in a letter to G.E. Woodberry, author of the book "Life of Poe", 1909, that he never knew Poe to use opium in any instance and never heard Poe mention it. Woodberry replied that he himself believed that Poe did use opium during his times away from drinking, but Woodberry never met Poe, so this is but speculation and conjecture on his part. In a later biography of Poe, Woodberry's conjecture was erroneously ascribed to Dr. Carter. This "biography" makes it seem like a doctor familiar with Poe had verified that Poe used opium.
Poe himself did make one mention of using laudanum. In a letter to Annie Richmond, Poe stated that he had attempted suicide by using laudanum. This is hardly proof that he was addicted to it. Laudanum was a commonly used medicine for pain relief at the time. Nothing remotely suggests that Poe used it other than for proper medical reasons.
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∙ 10y ago
Edgar Allan Poe was known to use alcohol, particularly brandy and whiskey. He may have also used opium, a common practice during his time to manage various ailments, including his struggles with depression and anxiety.
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What color did Edgar Allan Poe use to symbolize death?
Edgar Allan Poe used the color black to symbolize death. He used this in "The Masque of the Red Death".
Was Edgar Allan Poe a cocaine addict?
There is no concrete evidence to suggest that Edgar Allan Poe was a cocaine addict. Poe did have struggles with alcohol and possible opium use, but there is no reliable documentation of his use of cocaine.
What was the name given to Edgar Allan Poe at baptism?
Poe's birth name was Edgar Poe. After Poe's parents died in late 1811 leaving him an orphan just before his third birthday, his foster parents John and Frances Allan of Richmond, Virginia, had Poe baptized as Edgar Allan Poe, thereby giving Poe their last name as his middle name. Poe was never formally adopted by the Allans, and the name Allan was never his legal name, middle or otherwise. Since this was only a baptismal name, Poe did not have to use it, but he did so to honor his foster parents.
What adjective does poe use to describe the shadow by edger allan poe?
In "The Raven," Edgar Allan Poe describes the shadow as a "demon's." It adds to the eerie and haunting atmosphere of the poem.
What bird did Edgar Allan Poe intend to use in the Raven besides the raven?
A parrot
Is there a simile in 'To My Mother' by Edgar Allan Poe?
No, "To My Mother" by Edgar Allan Poe does not contain any similes. It is a heartfelt and direct poem expressing love and admiration for the poet's mother without the use of comparative language.
How did Edgar Allan Poe heat his room in college?
Poe was sometimes forced to use his own furniture in the fireplace in his room.burn his funiture
William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe?
Edgar Allan Poe transcribed many lines from Shakespeare's plays (and possibly his sonnets) for apparent self-use between the (estimated) years 1829 and 1830. It is also evident that Poe alluded to many Shakespearean plays in his poems and stories - especially Hamlet.
When did Edgar Allan Poe change his name?
Edgar Allan Poe was born Edgar Poe on January 19, 1809. After being abandoned by his father and orphaned by his mother, he was taken in by John and Frances Allan, who became his foster parents. They added the middle name "Allan" to his name. So, he did not formally change his name; it was given to him by his foster family.
Did Edgar Allan Poe use foreshadowing?
Yes, Edgar Allan Poe frequently used foreshadowing in his writing to create suspense and anticipation in his stories and poems. Through subtle hints and clues, he would hint at future events or outcomes, adding depth to his work.
How did Edgar Allan Poe's foster father John Allan die?
Edgar Allan Poe's dad abandoned his family when Poe was less than two years old, and no one really knows how Poe's dad died after he left them. He was known to struggle with alcoholism, and his acting troupe left him in Norfolk, Virginia shortly before he died because of an unknown debilitating illness.
Why does Edgar Allan Poe use two Latin sayings in The Cask of Amontillado?
Edgar Allan Poe uses Latin sayings in "The Cask of Amontillado" to add an air of sophistication and intellectualism to the story. They also emphasize the themes of revenge and deception, as Latin was a language associated with knowledge and secrecy during Poe's time.
