Edgar Allen Poe is mainly known for his personal life rather than his great ability to write short stories. Rumors include his problem with alcoholism and drug addiction. In reality, though, Edgar Allen Poe had a talent for writing stories of horror and suspense, and also for creating America's short story form.
             Edgar Allen Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19, 1809. His father, David Poe, was from a Baltimore family. He was an actor barely making a living and a heavy drinker. Poe's mother, Elizabeth Arnold Poe, was also in the acting business. She became a widow at the age of eighteen. Two years after his birth, she died of tuberculosis. When his mother died, Poe was adopted by John Allen. Edgar had gotten his middle name from him. His brother and younger sister were sent off to two different families. In 1815, John Allen moved his family to England. While there, Poe was sent to private schools. After living in England for several years, the Allen's moved back to Richmond, Virginia.
             When Poe reached his teenage years, tensions developed between Mr. Allen and himself. The Allen's were very wealthy, but Mr. Allen disapproved of Edgar's actions, so he decided that he would not inherit any of the family's wealth. In the spring of 1826, Poe entered the University of Virginia. John Allen did not support his tuition well enough, so Poe turned to gambling to get money. Finally, after months of disputes, Poe left the Allen's home and went out on his own.
             In May of 1827, Poe enlisted in the army as a common soldier under the name Edgar A. Perry. He was stationed on Sullivan's Island in Charleston Harbor for over a year. Poe quickly rose to the rank of regimental sergeant major. After a while, he got tired of the same daily routine involved in military life. He ended up getting discharged for gross neglect of duty and disobedience of orders (Byers 364).
             After being discharged...