Edgar Allen Poe was one of the most influential writers of modern day society. He has become known for his tales of the mysterious and macabre and his mastery of short stories. About 12 of his works are known for their flawless literary construction. Poe was a participant in a dysfunctional family that can be recognized for the structure in his writings.
             Poe was born on January 19th, 1809 in Boston Massachusetts. He was the son of David Poe, an actor, and Ellen Poe, an actress. At the age of three, Poe was orphaned when his father disappeared and his mother died of tuberculosis. John and Fanny Allen adopted Poe; they were merchants in Richmond, Virginia. At the age of six, Allen sent Poe to a private school in England.
             As a teen, Poe was gifted in foreign language. He wrote some of his early works in both French and Latin. At the age of fifteen, he wrote enough works to publish a book, but John Allen would not allow it. Poe was also known for being a gifted swimmer. It has been reported that "Poe swam the James River from Lundham's Wharf to Warwick Bar", (Woodberry 42), about 6 miles against a strong current. At the age of 15, Poe was the Lieutenant of the Junior Morgan Riflemen. Poe's Grandfather, General Poe is to be said where Poe gained his influence in the military.
             In 1826, Poe enrolled into the University of Virginia. His goal was to be an international translator. He was considered to be precise in his studies and works, as noted by critics later in his works. The student life at the University of Virginia was chaotic at this time. One incident, several students created a riot that threw bottles and bricks at the professors. He often wrote to John Allen. In his writings to Allen, Poe talked of the violence on campus.
             By the end of 1826, Poe started to develop a gambling habit. He blamed John Allen for his gambling. Poe claimed that John Allen did not give him enough funds to survive on. Therefor...