Edgar Allan Poe: Biography and Background
Lesson plans and teaching resources
This 2-page handout from the National Park Service discusses what part of Poe's reputation is accurate and what is not. Adobe Reader or compatible application required.
This 2-page handout from the National Park Service discusses the facts and major theories about Poe's death. Adobe Reader or compatible application required.
Biography, links to several short stories and poetry.
Students find, examine, and attempt to explain the causes of inconsistencies in at least four Poe biographies. This standards-based lesson is extensive. Resources are present but less extensive for an investigation into the life of Ambrose Bierce.
Students consider a variety of narrative stances as they analyze how Bierce and Poe utilize narration in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and "The Tell Tale Heart."
Portraits, letters, and other artifacts from Poe's life.
This YouTube video finds connections between Poe's apartment in Philadelphia and the story "The Black Cat." It reminds viewers that Poe was not only troubled but also very creative.
Scroll down to find links to biographical and other sites.
Links to biography and works.
Biographical information and links to online texts. (Recommended by enthusiastic students and their teacher!)
Maryland Public Television provides biography, a variety of primary sources, and classroom materials. A very impressive site!
Biographical information with emphasis on the impact of Poe's reputed substance abuse issues. Adobe Reader required for access.
Designed for grades 6-8, this series of 7 lessons begins with "The Raven" and moves to individual projects using short stories. Through close textual reading that focuses on think-aloud and specific analytical goals, this lesson models reading and analysis strategies that students can later apply to other texts.
A good source of background information. Scroll down for a summary of themes, study questions, and more.
This 1-page handout introduces Poe, detective stories, and ratiocination.
Texts of many of Poe's short stories and poems with hyperlinked vocabulary words, a Poe timeline which lists significant world events during each year of Poe's life, more.
Information about Poe as the inventor of the detective story, a pioneer of science fiction, a master of the psychological horror story, and a literary critic.
Students read a work by Poe, identify the emotions present, and write something of their own that shows the same emotions.
A great resource from the National Park Service: 58 pages of biography, background, and activities. Adobe Reader or compatible application required for access. (Just print out the pages you want to use.)
Students use a piece of literature by and an article about Edgar Allan Poe to investigate the relationship between word choice and the readers mood and interpretation of a piece of writing. Each student then creates a visual display that examines a favorite writer through biographical information, analysis of quotations about the author and his or her works, and interpretation of a piece of the authors writing.
Lesson plans and resources for stories and poems by Poe , including "The Raven."